SEASONAL FOOD — Winter ingredients for wellbeing

Health begins with what we eat. The Lefay holistic wellness philosophy recognises the constant relationship between humans and nature, reflected in the close connection between food and health.

Certain vegetables return to our tables with the rhythm of the seasons, and their beneficial effects on the body are widely recognised. In winter, the spotlight falls on cruciferous vegetables — from the Latin crucifer, meaning ‘cross-bearer’ — a name inspired by their distinctive four-petalled flowers arranged in the shape of a cross.

Also known as Brassicaceae, this family includes an extraordinary variety of vegetables: leafy varieties such as Savoy cabbage, white cabbage and rocket; roots like radish and celeriac; sprouts such as Brussels sprouts; and flowers including cauliflower, turnip tops and broccoli.

From a nutritional perspective, numerous studies highlight their remarkable anti-cancer properties, supporting the prevention of certain forms of cancer. In particular, the phytochemicals found in cruciferous vegetables — including glucosinolates — have been shown to trigger protective biochemical processes in the body, stimulating the production of enzymes responsible for detoxification.

Their benefits extend even further: white cabbage, for instance, is known for its antibacterial, diuretic and gastric mucosa-protective properties. These vegetables are also rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, which contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. A perfect example of how nature, when approached with awareness and knowledge, becomes one of our greatest allies.

With a commitment to enhancing the health-giving qualities of food, Lefay Resorts & Residences has developed a culinary philosophy rooted in sustainable cuisine — embracing ethics, seasonality and the support of local suppliers.  Lefay Vital Gourmet is a concept inspired by the principles of the Mediterranean diet and dedicated to promoting balance and wellbeing through flavour. Cruciferous vegetables are featured, for example, in the iconic starter ‘The Garden’ at our Gourmet Restaurant ‘Gramen’: a dish that celebrates the natural virtues of its ingredients, reinterpreted through contemporary culinary techniques to express the purest soul of ‘Gramen’ — created in harmony with both nature and the individual.