Wheat is the dominant cereal that has been part of the Greek diet for centuries and plays a role in both main and intermediate meals. Wheat is the most common cereal in Europe covering vast areas of cultivable land, and it has the highest content of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that regulates the function of the thyroid gland and keeps the body's immune system alert. Wheat is also rich in vitamin A (which helps in protein synthesis, strengthens bone mass, and overall keeps body cells young and healthy), B-complex vitamins (responsible for muscle health and the proper functioning of the muscular system), and vitamin E (reduces the muscles' need for oxygen, protects vitamin A and amino acids, and is an antioxidant).