When you’re craving a dish that’s tangy, refreshing, and healthy, there’s nothing like a Greek salad to hit the spot. From the firm tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion slices to the satisfying feta cheese crumbles and olive oil drizzle, there’s a lot to love about this classic dish. However, did you know that this salad has a variety of unexpected health benefits? Here’s what you need to know. 

Reasons to Eat More Greek Salad

1. Improves Heart Health

As one of the cornerstones of this classic Greek dish, you’ll get a mouthful of tomatoes when digging into this colorful salad. These fruits are an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant that can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Oregano, which is sprinkled on this salad for flavor, was also found to be a natural form of omega-3 fatty acids. These help balance cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart attacks.

2. Contains Essential Vitamins

Adults often don’t get nearly enough vitamins from their diets, so supplements are recommended. However, it’s always best to get your vitamins naturally. Greek salad has tomatoes, salad greens, and red onion slices, all of which contain vitamins A and C. These are known to protect the body from free radicals and support the immune system. In addition, if you order your salad with feta cheese, you’ll also get vitamins K, B-6, and B-12.

3. Features Healthy, Filling Fats

If you’re aiming to lose weight or complement your active lifestyle, you may have heard that cutting out fat can be counterproductive. While some fats are unhealthy—like trans fats—there are also good fats, such as avocados, that the body can convert into long-lasting energy. Greek salad is topped with olive oil or vinaigrette, both of which contain good fats known as monounsaturated fatty acids. These will help you maintain a stable blood sugar level throughout the day.

When you want a delicious and healthy Greek salad, visit Yia Yia’s - Homemade Greek Food in New York City. This Upper East Side eatery offers authentic Mediterranean cuisine, from flaky spinach pies to filling gyro platters. Browse their mouthwatering menu online, or call (212) 545-1210 to place an order today.