Eating healthy means eatings lots of fruits and vegetables and fewer processed foods. One of the reasons food found in the Mediterranean area is so healthy is that it naturally includes a lot of healthy ingredients in those recipes.

When you consume a lot of fruits and vegetables however, there’s less room for meat on your plate. Most of the time, this is a good thing. Too much meat can lead to weight gain and may cause inflammation or other problems.

Meat is an important source of protein though, so how can you eat a plant-based diet and still get enough of this vital nutrient?

Meet the Legume
Legumes are things like lentils, peas and beans. They provide a lot of plant-based protein, and are a well-loved part of Mediterranean food. Just think about the last time you visited a Mediterranean restaurant. That Hummus and Falafel were packed with legumes.

Legumes are any bean or seed that grows inside of a fleshy pod. Peas and beans grow in pods, and so do chickpeas. Believe it or not, although many people think that peanuts are nuts, they’re actually legumes. The pod that hangs from the top of the plant buries itself in the soil when it’s done growing.

Although legumes may look very different from each other, they all have something in common—they’re packed with protein.
These proteins can help take the place of meats when you’re focused on a healthier, plant-based diet. Regardless of your preferred dietary style, from vegan to omnivore, legumes can be a very healthy addition to your diet.

Other Benefits of Legumes
Legumes have an incredible number of health benefits. They can protect you from Type 2 Diabetes, improve blood sugar and blood fat for those who do have diabetes, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol. They can also help control weight and lower the risk of heart related problems.

That’s a lot of benefits!
Although studies have shown they help with all of these concerning health conditions, they’re also outright nutritious. Legumes contain fiber, protein, carbohydrate, B vitamins, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and phosphorous. They’re also naturally low in fat, and cholesterol free.

As part of a balanced diet, they are a fantastic option that brings so much to the table. Whether you like a rich chili, a heaping pile of peas, or hummus, eating legumes is a great way to invest in your health.

How to Get More Legumes
Legumes are easy to include in a healthy diet. Remember that wonderful Hummus and Falafel? Simply ordering those the next time you head over to Aladdin’s can be a great way to give your body a nutritious boost.
As little as one helping of legumes a week could be enough for you to see improvements in your own health. If you love Mediterranean food and can’t wait to tuck into your favorite dishes, use your health as a great reason to stop by Aladdin’s weekly.

For years now, Aladdin has been serving delicious and authentic Mediterranean cuisine at their restaurant located on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. Thousands of people have joined them for food and friendship over the years.

Aladdin is an important part of San Diego’s community and has made it very popular. Thanks to the popularity of Aladdin Café, the same people who have brought you delicious food at their first location will now be opening a second restaurant. This is a huge opportunity and presents a wonderful chance to let even more people experience the joy of delicious, high-quality Mediterranean food.

Introducing Zytoun Gourmet Mediterranean
Zytoun Gourmet Mediterranean will be opening up in Seaport Village, starting in mid-February. San Diego has been working hard to renovate Seaport Village, with over two million dollars spent on the restoration process and Aladdin is excited for the opportunity to be a part of it.

The boardwalk has become a bustling hub of activity, with the focus on local food and small business. Effort has been made by the city to encourage small, local businesses to join the boardwalk, and the owner of Aladdan’s café has answered with a brand-new restaurant.

The new location will be in the Carousel district, along the boardwalk, with ample patio space to enjoy the view of the San Diego Bay while enjoying the delicious cuisine. Zytoun is quite close to the historical Carousel, allowing those walking around to enjoy the area a chance to see both.

Although it has a different name and a different location, you can expect the same great food from Zytoun that you have come to expect from Aladdin over the last 30+ years.

What to Expect
Zytoun will be featuring Kabobs, hummus and falafel among the many different foods at their new location. If you’ve ever been to the Aladdin, you have a good idea of what awaits you at the our new location.

Although the location is new, it’s important to understand that the quality of the food is not. All of the same high-quality ingredients will be used at the new location.