Is Spanakopita a healthy food?

Question

I had awesome Spanakopita at a Greek restaurant yesterday. It was more spinach than cheese, so it seemed pretty healthy. I had the leftovers today, but when reheated I noticed all the olive oil off the phillo dough... a little too greasy. I know this is good fat, but now I'm wondering if it's too fatty of a meal, or very high in calories. Is phillo dough alone healthy?

Answer 1

I wont say that it's a healthy food ,even if it contains spinach and cheese the preparation of it is what  would make it rather fattening , you can have a small piece of it but don't over do it! The phyllo pastry alone looks harmless but it's a very rich pastry .

Answer 2

Check this out:

Calories in Spinach & Feta Pie (Spanakopita)

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1/2 package (140.0 g)



Amount Per Serving

Calories 260 Calories from Fat 72

                                            

Total Fat 8.0g

Saturated Fat 4.0g

Cholesterol 20mg

Sodium 650mg

Total Carbohydrates 38.0g

Dietary Fiber 2.0g

Sugars 3.0g

Protein 12.0g



Vitamin A 30% • Vitamin C 25%

Calcium 20% • Iron 20%



* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Answer 3

It's very good food, spinach is one of the most nutritious vegetables and olive oil is very healthy. I wouldn't think twice about eating it. Much better than processed junk food and more like home made food.

If you are worried about calories just don't eat too much of it eg more than 200 grams (7 oz)

Answer 4

If you eat a lot of other fatty foods, it may be a problem.

But you have to have 2 TBsp's of good fat a day, and spanakopita sure sounds like a great way of having it!! :P

Answer 5

Very healthy both....

Answer 6

probably high in fat from the cheese and phyllo dough.

Phyllo dough itself is not as fatty... but most of the times the phyllo is brushed with oil, typically butter, so the layers don't dry out.

In the end, you really should worry NOT about it and just enjoy.  

It's not like you're eating this every day.

Answer 7

Well fi you want try making it with low fat feta, low fat cheeses and try mixing using margerine or milk mixed with a tablespoon of water and just the last few top layers of the Treat with olive oil.

Answer 8

It is much healthier than foods containing meat, which contain animal fats-- the worst kind.  Olive oil is actually good for you because it neutralizes the bad cholesterol (LDL).  Greeks buy it by the gallon and use for for everything from salad dressing to frying.  Phyllo is just flour and water I believe.  The problem with it is when it's used for desserts such as baklava.  In that case, butter is brushed on it to make it light and flaky.

Answer 9

It's filling and fairly high in calories.  But the cheese used is soft, the spinach is great for you, and without too much liquid during and after eating it, it tastes very good.

Skip dessert; it's better than many other things.  I spent 15 years learning in a Greek restaurant, so I know.  Look up the carbohydrates and fat to reassure yourself.