Health Tips from Egypt
"أحيانًا يكون أكثر ما يمكنك فعله إنتاجية هو الاسترخاء."
«Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.»
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Spiced up coffee - For a stronger heart
The enjoyment of coffee in Egypt goes back to the brotherhood of the Islamic Sufis who drank it during their prayers. Spices play a vital role in Arabic coffee culture. The most common spice used is cardamom. In addition, cloves, saffron (resulting in a golden color) and sometimes rosewater makes an appearance in Egyptian coffee.
The Egyptian coffee culture, is an important social occasion for Egyptians, at all levels of society. In many cases, a coffee house becomes a kind of literary circle or political club, but the peaceful, comfortable ambience also makes it an ideal place in which to do business.
Drinking two to three cups of coffee daily has been associated with a 10% to 15% lower risk of getting heart disease, heart failure or a heart rhythm problem, or dying early for any reason, according to various studies. Whether caffeine is responsible for any health benefits from coffee isn’t however clear. There are many biologically active compounds in coffee specifically that could play a healthy role. These compounds can help reduce inflammation, inhibit the gut’s absorption of fat, block receptors involved with abnormal heart rhythms and reduce oxidative stress.
NB! When someone spills coffee, most of surrounding people tell them that this is a good sign, meaning good things will happen.
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Egyptian Red - For healthy cholesterol
Egyptian Red (also referred to as hibiscus tea, karkadé, or rosella/roselle tea) is both rich and refreshing, and has long been revered for its health benefits and delicious qualities. Made from the crushed red calyces of the rosella plant (Hibiscus Sabdariffa), the resulting drink is an intensely cerise infusion with a tangy flavour reminiscent of raspberry, rhubarb, plum, or cranberries.
This compound is what gives Egyptian Red its abundance of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, drinking this rosella infusion has been known to help with strengthening the immune system, decreasing blood pressure, and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
The tart and fruity palate of Egyptian Red lends itself to many complementary flavours. Sweeteners like honey, sugar, or agave syrup soften the sour edge while spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger can add another flavour dynamic. There are many ways this drink can be enjoyed with many hot and cold variations stemming from all over the world.
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Strong family ties - For wellbeing and security
Family is a very important part of life for Egyptians and a significant component of the society. As Egypt is a collectivist society, the needs of one’s family or community is more important than the individual person’s needs. Families tend to be close to one another, both emotionally and physically. It is the norm for Egyptians to live with their extended family and often one will find three generations living together. Moreover, grown-up unmarried children (often the eldest son or daughter) tend to stay with their parents until they marry.
Health benefits of social interaction
1) Help you handle stress: People who spend time with family and friends find healthier ways to cope with stress. A study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University found that people use their family and friends as a stress buffer, talking about their problems instead of seeking negative coping mechanisms like drinking alcohol, smoking or doing drugs.
2) May prolong your life: An article in the American Society of Aging noted that older adults with larger social networks have a good episodic memory, better cognitive functions and a lower allostatic load, which is the wear and tear on the body and brain from being stressed. Having a good relationship with marital partners, adult children, siblings, and friends contribute to these positive health effects.
3) Improves psychological well-being: The emotional support provided by social ties enhances your psychological wellbeing. One study found that people who view their friends and families as supportive reported a greater sense of meaning in life and felt like they had a stronger sense of purpose.
4) Is good for your cardiovascular health: Stress can ignite inflammation in the arteries, which is a precursor to atherosclerosis, or clogged arteries. Having good friends and a strong social support network might relieve stress. One study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that people who discussed difficult times in their lives had a lower pulse and blood pressure when they had a friend by their side.
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Egyptian Bissara - A healthy immune booster
Bissara (or Bessarah) is an ancient Egyptian heritage dish that is steeped in over 7000 of history. It is made with simple, cheap ingredients: fava beans, onions, garlic and lots of fresh herbs which give bessara its unique green color. The fact that these simple ingredients can give you a meal that packs a real nutritional punch made bessara popular. Refreshingly green, creamy, with layers of flavor from the spices and herbs, beautifully rounded by the caramelized onions. If you love hummus, do give bessara a try, it is plays along the same notes but with a more complex and layered flavor profile.
Egyptian Bessara is a humble vegan dish (and gluten free dip), that carries a high nutrition value, as the Split Fava Beanms are immune boosters and loaded with nutrients. Eating these beans regularly may have benefits for symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, help prevent birth defects, boost immunity, aid weight loss and lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure. In addition to the fava beans benefits, the fresh aromatic herbs in this dish round up its multiple heath benefits with the vitamins and antioxidants they offer.
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Egyptian Molokhiya Soup - To protect hearthealth
Many people consider Egypt to be the origin of Molokhiya Soup, though there are several variations of the dish. Molokhia is a dark, leafy green soup. The soup looks like mint and tastes like spinach. It is rich in various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A and C, fiber, and iron, and is commonly believed to aid in digestion.
Some of the health benefits of molokhia include its ability to protect hearthealth, regulate digestion, protect the immune system, build strong bones, improve blood pressure, increase cognitive abilities, improves sleep habits, helps in growth and development, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation.
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Egyptian rich culture - The glue for improved social health
Culture is the lifeblood of a vibrant society, expressed in the many ways we tell our stories, celebrate, remember the past, entertain ourselves, and imagine the future. Our creative expression helps define who we are, and helps us see the world through the eyes of others.
The benefits of a rich culture has an impact for individuals as for the society as a whole. Culture helps build social capital, the glue that holds communities together. The social capital created through culture increases with regular participation in cultural activities. Cultural engagement also plays a key role in poverty reduction and communities-at-risk strategies.
On an individual level, a rich heritage and culture, improves both mental- and physical health. Cultural heritage also broadens opportunities for education and lifelong learning, including a better understanding of history. Culture is finally also a means of expressing creativity, forging an individual identity, and enhancing or preserving a community’s sense of place.
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Kemetic yoga (Kemet) - To boost life force energy
Kemetic Yoga is the ancient Egyptian system of Yoga enlightenment based upon the practices of physical movements combined with controlled deep breathing and meditation. Kemet is both a philosophy and a practice based upon the Kemetic systems of self-development.
Kemet is characterized by a series of geometrically progressive postures that creates alignment of the spinal column and corrects defects in the skeletal muscular system in order to relieve stress, increase blood circulation, nutrient and oxygen supply to vital body systems, and to allow internal life force energy and cerebral spinal fluid to flow more efficiently and abundantly throughout the entire body.
There are a few benefits of Kemetic yoga, and some of them are listd below, like allow nutrient and oxygen supply to flow more efficiently and abundantly to vital body systems.
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Taaseela (Mid-day nap) - To caretake brain & heart
In Egypt the mid-afternoon nap is called "taaseela". In Egypt as with many other countries, government workers typically work six hours a day, six days a week; hence the need for nap at the sixth hour fits in well. Due to this schedule, workers do not eat lunch at work, but instead leave work around 2 pm and eat their main meal, which is the heaviest, at lunchtime. Following the heavy lunch, they take a taaseela or nap and have red tea upon waking up.
Sleep disruptions can directly impact overall health, affecting the ability to handle stress, diminishing cognition and memory , as well as increasing accidents at work and home. Naps have been shown to increase the brain’s ability to consolidate memories and regulate emotions more effectively. The taaseela habit has also been associated with a 37% reduction in coronary mortality, possibly due to reduced cardiovascular stress mediated by daytime sleep.
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Egyptian hammam - To socialize and for the hygiene
Traditional bathhouses were once an integral part of Egyptian society, where residents met to gossip, socialise and treat ailments. A hammam is a steam bath that is followed by a massage. Over time, these sessions began to include steam baths and massages. They were frequently set up near prayer centers and incorporated into the prayer session. In fact, in many areas, it was nearly mandatory to have a hammam session before prayer. Eventually, hammam became a way to meet with others in the same class and discuss business or social activities. It was an opportunity to visit with friends and spend some time together. Men would arrange their daughter’s weddings and women would discuss the wedding plans. Friends would gather to visit and catch up on the latest events in their lives.
For the ancient Egyptians life was a celebration, and so, just as one would want to look one's best at any party, personal hygiene was an important cultural value. The Egyptians bathed daily, shaved their heads to prevent lice or other problems, and regularly used cosmetics, perfumes, and breath mints. So important was one's personal appearance that some spells from The Egyptian Book of the Dead stipulate that one cannot speak them in the afterlife if one is not clean and presentable, and it is clear this means in a physical sense.
In a hammam, one of the benefits is that it improves respiratory health. It does this by using eucalyptus oils that offer up anti-inflammatory benefits and decongesting properties and an antiseptic benefit. The scent stimulates the body to relieve exhaustion and improve mental sluggishness. It improves the mood and the spirit and will help to relax the entire nervous system. It also detoxes the whole body, relaxes the senses, and makes you sleep better. Not to forget the healthy benefits of of the social activity through improved wellbeing.
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Five a day & Eat with season - To boost nutrients
Egypt has a pleasant temperature, enough water, and vast swaths of highly rich land. Egypt has a competitive advantage over other producers in our market due to the country’s moderate climate, which allows for two complimentary growth seasons in summer and winter. The Egyptiands eat according to season, and harvest the benefits of freshmness and nutritional values accordingly.
Egyptian Summer Fruits
1) Figs: This fruit, which is grown all over Egypt, will satisfy your thirst on a hot summer day.
2) Mangoes: Unless you’ve never had the Egyptian version, this fruit from heaven doesn’t require any further explanation.
With its powerful perfume and sweet taste, this fruit is found in Egypt in a variety of flavours.
3) Watermelon: This summer fruit can be found in shakes, dishes, and in practically every city in Egypt.
4) Melon: They form a great duet plate when accompanied by the Watermelon. Before they leave, make sure you get the most out of them.
5) Grapes: Nothing compares the local pricing of Egypt’s premium grapes, even if it has already arrived in your nation. You’ll never be able to eat enough grapes, whether they’re deep red or golden.
6) Prickly Pears are a type of prickly pear that grows: It’s the perfect recipe for sunburns: work hard for a long time in the heat, then meet this beauty.
Egyptian Winter Fruits
1) Oranges: The almighty orange has to be at the top of our list as the best fruit for fighting that inevitable terrible cold. Oranges are high in vitamins A and C, potassium, and soluble fiber, which protect the body from viral infections, reduce the risk of kidney stones, cholesterol, and cancer.
2) Pumpkins: Doctors recommend pumpkins because they are high in fiber and nutrients, and they may even help you sleep better at night.
3) Beetroots: Beetroots are high in magnesium, copper, iron, and phosphorus, and are an excellent source of antioxidants, which aid in the purification of the blood and liver.
4) Persimmons (Kaki / Kaka fruit): This exotic fruit is high in vitamins A, C, E, and B6. They’re high in anti-cancer and anti-aging compounds.
5) Tangerines: Tangerines, like oranges; are high in vitamin C and can help you combat the cold. They are, however, well-known for their ability to combat arthritis and skin ailments.
6) Bananas: Bananas are packed with nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B-6. Bananas aid digestion, eliminate toxins from the body, release serotonin (a mood-boosting neurotransmitter), and protect the body from diabetes, kidney cancer, and, many believe, depression.
Seasonally fresh produce is picked when it is fully developed at the peak of the season. With optimal growing conditions and more sun exposure come higher levels of antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, folate, and beta-Carotene!
Nugget: Cats were considered sacred animals by the Ancient Egyptians. It’s thought that most families kept a cat as a pet, which they believed would bring the household good luck.
