(NaturalNews) Middle Eastern cuisine features a unique array of ingredients that offer powerful health benefits, incorporating flavors from Greece, Egypt, Africa and Asia. This article will carefully examine these foods. At the end of the article are recipes for Hummus and Baba Ganoush.
* Tahini (Sesame Seed Paste) - Sesamum indicum (Pedaliacea)
Sesame seeds contain large amounts of Lineolic acid, an unsaturated essential Omega-6 fatty acid, along with Protein, Vitamin B3, E, Folic Acid. Native to Africa, Sesame seeds are made into a paste called Tahini which is similar in consistency to peanut butter and is a key component in hummus and baba ganoush.
* Garbanzo Beans (Chick Peas) - Cicer arietinum (Faboideae)
Garbanzo beans provide enormous amounts of Molybdenum, Manganese, Folate, Fiber, and Tryptophan along with large amounts of Protein, Copper, Phosphorous and Iron. Originating in the Middle East, these legumes help balance blood sugar, lower cholesterol and contain natural sulfites that have strong detoxifying properties. Garbanzo beans are a key component in hummus.
* Eggplant (Aubergine) - Solanum melongena (Solanaceae)
Eggplant contains the phytonutrient Nasunin, a flavonoid and powerful antioxidant that protects cell membranes including brain cells from free radical damage. Eggplant also contains the phenolic compounds Caffeic and Chlorogenic acid, including Magnesium and Potassium. Eggplant reduces cholesterol and improves cardiovascular health. A member of the nightshade family which includes tomatoes and peppers, eggplant has antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal properties.
* Bulgar (Wheat) - Triticum spp. (Poaceae)
Bulgar is a form of wheat that is parboiled and de-branned. Not to be confused with cracked wheat, which is made from crushed wheat berries and is not parboiled, bulgar is high in fiber, low in fat and contains a good amount of Protein. Bulgar is a key component in tabouli.
* Cucumber - Cucumis sativus (Cucurbitaceae)
Cucumber contains Silica that improves skin complexion, along with Vitamin C, Molybdenum and Potassium. Cucumber offers soothing properties and is used to treat many skin conditions including dry scalp. Cucumber is used to treat rheumatism. Cucumber has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
* Pine nuts - Pinus pinea (Pinaceae)
Pine nuts are the seeds to pine trees and they contain Alpha-Linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid, along with Vitamin A, C, D, Protein and Fiber. Pine nuts improve cardiovascular health, strengthen teeth and bones, sharpen vision, boost the immune system and improve the body’s ability to absorb other nutrients. Pine nuts are a key component in pesto.
* Peppermint - Mentha x piperita (Lamiaceae)
Peppermint contains the volatile oils Menthol and Menthone, along with Luteolin and Menthoside. Peppermint aids digestion, relaxes the abdominal muscles, reduces nausea, relieves constipation and offers soothing benefits. Peppermint is a pain reliever and can treat headaches and migraines. A hybrid between spearmint (menthe spicata) and watermint (menthe hirsute), peppermint has antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, antispasmodic and anaesthetic properties.
* Dill - Anethum graveolens (Umbelliferae)
Dill contains the volatile oil Carvone, a monoterpene, along with Flavonoids, Coumarins, Calcium and Iron. Dill contains powerful antioxidants that help detoxify the body and neutralize carcinogens such as cigarette smoke. Dill aids digestion, stimulates milk production in nursing mothers, and prevents bone loss, Dill has antibacterial properties.
* Parsley is another essential ingredient and is covered in my article (non-Toxic) Split Pea and Ham Soup.
Other common ingredients used in Middle Eastern cuisine are Tomato, Pepper, Onion, Garlic, Lemon juice and Olive Oil. For a detailed description of those ingredients please see my article Homemade Superfood II: Guacamole and the Science of Salsa.
* Pita bread
The key grain in Middle Eastern cuisine is wheat, namely in the form of leavened flat bread called pita. For a homemade bread recipe see my article The Rise of Yeast-free, Wheat-free (Spelt) bread.
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Recipe for Hummus
Ingredients:
* 1 can garbanzo beans
* ˝ cup sesame tahini paste
* 1 lemon
* 2 cloves garlic (minced)
* (optional) roasted red pepper
* (optional) sea salt
Instructions:
* Mash garbanzo beans.
* Stir in tahini.
* Add juice from lemon.
* Blend with remaining ingredients.
* Serve chilled, with pita bread.
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Recipe for Baba Ganoush
Baba Ganoush is a lot like Hummus only eggplant is substituted for Garbanzo beans. You may prefer to add both to your recipe but this recipe does not include garbanzo beans.
Ingredients:
* 1 eggplant
* ˝ cup sesame tahini paste
* 1 lemon
* 2 cloves garlic (minced)
* (optional) parsley
* (optional) sea salt
Instructions:
* Roast eggplant at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
* Mash eggplant.
* Stir in tahini.
* Add juice from lemon.
* Blend with remaining ingredients.
* Serve chilled, with pita bread.
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End the War, Save the Cuisine
Hopefully the US occupation of Iraq will end as soon as possible or, along with more lives wasted and the US dollar becoming worthless, there may not be any Middle East left, nevermind their food. Also, the new Iraqi Constitution should not force farmers to use only Monsanto GMO seeds (as it currently does) or it will mean their food will have lots of Roundup pesticides, will not support family farms, and will no longer be the wholesome food that has supported human beings since the earliest times. Such corporate welfare is a travesty, and Jay Leno said it best: "Why don't we just give them our Constitution? We don't seem to be using it." The US Constitution specifically forbids the government from controlling food and health supplements in such a manner.
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References:
The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants by Doris Kindersley, A practical reference guide to over 550 Key Herbs & their Medicinal Uses. Whole foods (dot com) has a lot of information about the nutritional content of many foods.
Though he has officially suspended his Presidential campaign, you can still support health freedom and ending the war at Ron Paul's new web site: http://www.campaignforliberty.com/
Boost this article on YahooBuzz! Click "BuzzUp!"
About the authorNeil McLaughlin is a computer scientist specializing in 3d graphics and simulation. He can be reached at naturalnews461 (at) yahoo (dot) com.
The Health Ranger recommends and personally uses Aquasana water filters:
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