Locals of Ikaria, a small island off the Greek coast, reportedly love a three-ingredient dish which may contribute to living a longer life.
Longevity expert Dan Buettner has spent decades exploring what makes people in certain long-life hotspots live for so long.
During a visit to Ikaria, where one-third of their residents reportedly live past the age of 90, he discovered locals preparing chickpea soup with lemon and herbs.
The recipe, featured in Dan’s book, The Blue Zones – Secrets for living longer, includes five easy steps that involve combining freshly squeezed lemons, a mix of herbs and chickpeas to create a tasty broth.
Expressing his fondness for the Ikarian dish, Dan wrote: “This simple soup is a warming alternative to chicken soup in the winter, and yet another way to creatively make beans taste good and figure into your daily diet. Chickpea soup is one of the most classic comfort foods in Ikaria and even throughout the rest of Greece – you’ll find it in almost every home and tavern.”
Besides being full of flavour, the popular Mediterranean dish is also packed with numerous health benefits.
Chickpeas
In an article titled The Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Chickpeas and Hummus by a group of US health experts, they explained how this delicious food, which can also be enjoyed as hummus, is a great source of two essential nutrients.
They wrote: “Four tablespoons of traditional, chickpea-based hummus per day provides approximately two cups of legumes per week and 25 grams of dietary fibre – a shortfall nutrient in the diets of many adults and children. This same amount also provides approximately 14g of plant protein per week, as well as many other essential vitamins and minerals.”
Moreover, protein and fibre are not only thought to help prevent conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but they also work together to slow digestion and increase feelings of fullness.
Lemons
Lemons, which are a significant component of the cherished Ikarian dish, are also highlighted for their health benefits.
With three squeezed lemons included, one can receive about 60 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C from just one lemon, which is believed to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Healthline additionally notes that some studies suggest an increased consumption of citrus fruits may decrease the risk of lung cancer.
Herbs
Herbs, particularly garlic and bay leaves used in Ikarian Chickpea soup, are credited with providing numerous health advantages to the locals.
Experts often remark on garlic’s potential to help lower cholesterol and combat seasonal ailments like the flu.
Bahee Van de Bor, a paediatric dietician and spokesperson for the British Dietitian Association, praised its numerous advantages, telling the BBC: “Garlic contains high levels of potassium, phosphorus, zinc, sulfur and moderate amounts of magnesium, manganese and iron. It’s a bit of a wonder vegetable.”
She further highlighted its nutritional richness and importance as a prebiotic fibre source, adding: “Not only does it offer a rich array of essential nutrients but also serves as an excellent source of prebiotic fibre, which is crucial for providing nourishment for the beneficial bacteria residing in our gut.”