Hummus is a Middle Eastern dip that is taking America by storm. According to the U.S. food retailers report, what used to be a -million dollar business a little more than a decade ago, has now blossomed into a 0-million hummus industry. There’s a pretty good reason for. First, it has a creamy texture and an addictively delicious taste. Second, hummus is a nutritional powerhouse.
This simple dip made from chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice and salt packs a whole lot of punch, pair it with warm pita or other flatbread and you’ve got a winner. Not a big hummus fan? Well, here are some pretty good reasons to start picking up a hummus habit.

1. It lowers cholesterol and reduces heart disease. Chickpeas, the main ingredient of hummus, has a very high fiber content. Compared to other sources, chickpeas contains about a third of soluble fiber that lowers LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Chickpeas are also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids namely polyunsaturated fatty acids and alpha-linoleic acids, known to be good for the heart. In addition to the chickpeas, the olive oil in hummus is also rich in monounsaturated fats that reduces artery-clogging lipids in the blood. Including hummus in your daily diet can significantly lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risks.

 2. It is a cancer-fighting super food. The insoluble fibers found in chickpeas provide extra amounts of energy to colon cells, keeping them strong, active and healthy. This means lower risk of colon problems, including colon cancer. Meanwhile, olive oil is also rich in anti-oxidant polyphenols and lipid oleic acids known to reduce inflammation and fight certain cancers.

 3. It promotes weight management and busts belly fat. Hummus is rich in protein, stomach-filling fiber and slow digesting carbohydrates. That means when you snack on hummus, you stay fuller and more satisfied for longer periods. The protein and good fat in hummus gives a good energy boost, increases the body’s fat burning potential, helps curb cravings and even balances blood sugar levels.

Hummus is indeed a great addition to your diet, however it is also important to remember to watch your portions and be careful what you pair it with. Whole wheat pita, flat breads and raw veggies are excellent choices, crispy bacon, not so much. Enjoy other hummus varieties like sundried tomato or basil hummus, if you are buying from a store, make sure you get the ones with extra virgin olive oil or fat-free yogurt.

A diet filled with Middle Eastern food, similar to a Mediterranean diet, incorporates the flavorful foods of the countries around the Mediterranean Sea. This food is conducive with a health diet, as it keeps the body healthy by being heart healthy and staving off many chronic diseases.

Middle Eastern food emphasizes the use of fish, olive oil, whole grains, legumes, and vegetables. Vegetarian food is often enjoyed, as it is heart healthy and strong flavors can be showcased. Because cholesterol and saturated fat are only found in foods that are animal-based, Eating vegetarian or vegan food is very health-conscious. Heart-healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids in fish and olive oil are healthy sources of fats.

For example, Tabouleh is a superfood that incorporates healthy olive oil with a refreshing mix of bulgur wheat, fresh onions and tomatoes, mint, lemon, and salt. This is a perfect dish for corporate catering as it is a crowd pleaser that can easily go along with any entree meal.

Baba Ghanouj is also great for catering, as its light and fresh consistency pairs well with wood-fired pita bread. Baba Ghanouj is a fresh blend of baked eggplant, fresh garlic, tahini, and lemon. Eggplant is especially good for your health, as it is a great source of dietary fiber, copper, and vitamin B1. It also has manganese, niacin, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin K, and folate. Its phytonutrients include nasunin and chlorogenic acid, which are vital to overall health.

Following a Middle Eastern diet is also beneficial to brain health, cognitive function, and overall mortality. Studies have shown a Middle Eastern diet has been able to have an effect on the prevention of Parkinson’s, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s in 1.5 million people. For lunch, you might enjoy an Aladdin Mediterranean Chicken Salad with homemade lemon and olive oil dressing, with a wood fired pita on the side. For dinner, try some falafels, which is a vegetarian delight, and a Koufta Kabob to add some additional protein to your day.

There are many varieties of food available to help you stay healthy while eating Middle Eastern food. The options are endless for your taste and the taste of others. If you are putting on a corporate catering event, impress your guests by including a healthy menu for them to enjoy that will keep them energized throughout the day. Encouraging your guests to eat healthy vegetarian and vegan foods is a great way to have them experience new flavors that they will want to go back for more.

If you are looking to stay fit and healthy, then you probably know the importance of having well-balanced meals at lunchtime. However, most of us lack the option of healthy food, with many of us resorting to highly processed or unhealthy fast food. Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant in San Diego, California is one of the few restaurants in the area that understands the importance of having healthy dietary options when it comes to a healthy diet.

Meals at lunchtime are significantly important because the type of food you eat during this time will have a direct impact on your overall health. Eating unhealthy food such as processed and greasy food predisposes you to lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Studies have found that skipping meals during lunch time to lose weight will ultimately have the opposite effect for a majority of people. Having healthy, balanced meals during the day is more effective for weight loss and improving overall health. The meals at Aladdin are prepared with this in mind and the chefs are always looking to add healthy options to the menu.

Aladdin’s main offering is Middle Eastern food, which is one of the main dishes that make up the famous Mediterranean Diet. These types of food normally consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and other foods rich in calories and healthy fats. The food at Aladdin is also specially prepared with healthy herbs and spices instead of salt, which helps manage blood pressure.

Many nutritionists emphasize the importance of having a healthy lunch that offers a balance between the five major food groups: lean proteins, grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy. At Aladdin Cafe, the menu is designed to accommodate these food groups to ensure you eat healthily. One of the menu items at Aladdin, the famous hummus topped with either lamb or chicken shawerma, offers the largest proportion of healthy food groups in the restaurant. The meal incorporates beans tahini, fresh lemon and garlic, olive oil, and chicken or lamb. When served with one of Aladdin’s freshly made in-house salads or desserts, this meal is bound to leave your taste buds thoroughly satisfied.

Apart from the hummus, Aladdin also offers other options for a healthy lunch. You can choose from different types of wood-fired pizzas, exotic rice plates, sandwiches, and up to twelve different types of entrees. These can be accompanied by lentil soup, herbal tea, or a variety of regular or sugar-free drinks for refreshment.

Aladdin also serves healthy vegetarian food for customers that have specific dietary restrictions. The restaurant also prepares vegan food on request, with the chefs at Aladdin always keen to ensure vegan and vegetarian meals are healthy. If you would like to deliveries made at home or for your office, Aladdin offers catering services to ensure you can still enjoy a healthy lunch outside its premises. Corporate catering is also offered for clients that would like to have meals served during meetings or other corporate events.

When planning your meals, always ensure to eat a healthy, balanced diet for meals during lunchtime.