3:10pm | Middle Eastern food has numerous health benefits and with four restaurants just on Second Street in Belmont Shore you can’t help but to eat healthy every now and again.

This weekend I chose Magic Lamp in particular, but regularly frequent all the many different Middle Eastern inspired eateries on Second, as they each have their own special touch and uniqueness.

The top 3 healthy staples of Middle Eastern foods are:

  1. Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans):  Used as the main ingredient in hummus, chickpeas are a helpful source of zinc, folate and protein.  Plus, they’re an excellent source of fiber, which is known to help lower cholesterol, fight heart disease and stabilize blood sugar levels.
  2. Mint:  Known as a carminative which is defined as, an herb or preparation that either prevents formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, or facilitates the expulsion of said gas, thereby combating flatulence.  Fresh mint leaves are a popular herb in Middle Eastern cooking, used in tabbouleh salad, yogurt sauces, vegetable dishes, soups and beverages, including a strong mint tea, which is traditionally offered to arriving guests.
  3. Turmeric:  Used in many curries and as the base of many other Middle Eastern dishes, turmeric has many anti-inflammatory properties.  With many diseases being found to have a basis in inflammation as their cause, the National Institute of health is currently conducting research for it’s use in a variety of clinical disorders.

I had the Chicken Tawook Plate with tabbouleh and hummus, as well as Moroccan mint tea which contained all of the above mentioned ingredients.  If you would like a specific type of ethnic cuisine featured in future articles please leave an idea below in the comments section.

References:

1.) kosherfood.about.com
2.) Vegsoc.org
3.) Sixwise.com
4.) Green Pharmacy: James A. Duke 1997

The information in this article is not intended as medical advice.  Please consult your doctor for any health concerns.