Lebanese food is often seen as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. This is largely due to the fact that it typically uses fresh ingredients, including a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices.
Lebanese food also usually includes plenty of lean proteins such as chicken and fish. Additionally, Lebanese dishes are often cooked with healthy oils like olive oil and sesame oil.
Vegetables are a key component of Lebanese cuisine and can be found in many different dishes. Common vegetables that are used include tomatoes, onions, garlic, eggplant, spinach, and peppers. Many dishes also include beans such as chickpeas and lentils which are high in fibre and protein.
Herbs and Spices are also a major part of Lebanese cooking. Popular herbs used include parsley, mint, cilantro, dill, and thyme. Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cumin, and paprika add flavour to dishes without adding extra calories or fat.
Meat is also commonly used in Lebanese cuisine but is usually leaner than other meats like beef or pork. Chicken breast is one of the most popular proteins used in Lebanese cooking while fish like salmon or tuna can also be found in some recipes. Lamb is another popular option but should be consumed in moderation due to its higher fat content.
Grains are another important component of the diet that can provide important nutrients like fibre and complex carbohydrates for energy. Bulgur wheat is a traditional grain that is often used in tabbouleh salad but other grains like quinoa or couscous can be substituted for added nutrition.
Oils play an important role in Lebanese cooking as they add flavour to dishes while providing healthy fats such as monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Olive oil is a popular choice for many recipes while sesame oil has become increasingly common due to its rich nutty flavour with notes of sweetness or heat depending on the variety used.
Overall, Lebanese food has many health benefits due to its focus on fresh vegetables, herbs and spices along with lean proteins. The use of healthy oils like olive oil or sesame oil adds additional flavour while providing beneficial fatty acids at the same time.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Lebanese food is incredibly healthy due to its use of fresh ingredients along with healthy oils for added flavour without extra calories or fat.