Melekuni should be included in your diet

Head of Nutrition and Dietetics Eleni Zemberligu explains why this delicacy from Rhodes is so healthy.

Melekuni is a tasty and satisfying delicacy with healthy ingredients that give it great nutritional value. This is a traditional Rhodian sweet, similar to pastels but prepared differently. The plate has a chewy texture, the main ingredients of which are sesame and honey.

Also, “aromatic notes” of spices are often added to melekuni. The plate itself is cut into a diamond shape. Previously, sweets were offered to guests during the sacrament of marriage or baptism. Today, melekuni is consumed by both young and old people, athletes and everyone else.

• Its main ingredient is unhulled toasted sesame. It is baked carefully so that the nutrients are not damaged or altered. If you analyze this tiny seed, it turns out that it is rich in beneficial properties.
• Helps lower cholesterol levels. Melekuni is a rich source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have a protective effect against atherosclerosis. Therefore, it protects the body from coronary heart disease.
• Ideal for women during menopause. Sesame has a high content of phytoestrogens (lignans). During menopause, when a woman’s estrogen levels decline, foods like sesame, a class of seeds rich in phytoestrogens, can relieve and soften hot flashes.
• Source of vitamin E. The sesame found in melekuni is a rich source of vitamin E, which gives it antioxidant and anti-aging properties.
• Good for bone health. Melekuni strengthens bones as it is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.
• Snack of high biological value. By combining sesame with almonds, we get a snack with high biological value and high protein content. Honey added when preparing this delicacy has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. It stimulates the body and is a source of energy for the mind.

Finally, the flavor and aroma are complemented by the zest or juice of citrus fruits (orange, bitter orange, lemon or bergamot) and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves or coriander). This healthy sweet has high nutritional value.

Melekuni is part of the Greek Breakfast program initiated by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels. Through this program, authentic Greek products are introduced to the guest to experience the culinary culture during his stay in the country. In addition, in 2017, melekuni was officially recognized as a product with an approved/patented trademark.

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