The globally renowned Cretan cuisine is a culinary delight that should not be missed when visiting Crete. The warm and welcoming Cretans often greet guests with a refreshing chilled raki before the meal, and it may also be offered again as a digestive drink after enjoying the local recipes.

If you're planning a trip to Crete, make sure to savour these delectable dishes:

• Staka

• Andikristo lamb

• Snails

• Kaltsounakia

• Apaki

• Gamopilafo

• Skioufichta spaghetti

• Meat pie

• Dakos

• Cretan gruyere

• Sfakian pita bread

• Eggs with spiny chicory

The Cretan Diet

The Cretan diet is highly regarded by scientists as an exemplary model of the Mediterranean diet, known for promoting health and longevity. Since the 1950s, it has been recognised that the longevity of Cretans can be attributed to their local diet. Furthermore, a later study known as the Seven Countries Study confirmed that individuals adhering to the Cretan diet experienced fewer deaths from conditions such as myocardial infarction and various forms of cancer when compared to populations in other countries.

The effectiveness of the Cretan diet can be attributed to its rich content of antioxidants, omega-3 fats, monounsaturated fatty acids, and fibre. These components collectively help reduce the risk of serious diseases, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

A distinctive feature of the Cretan diet is its vegetarian nature, emphasising natural carbohydrates and healthy fats.

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