Posted on

Falafel – An Israeli Treasure

Credit Hannahdownes https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

In my last post on my trip to Israel, I mentioned the lavish, delicious cuisine served by the hotels. However, one dish I particularly enjoyed was falafel, which was not served in the hotels. That’s because falafel is a street food, so we only bought it when we stopped at small restaurants along the way for lunch. I fell in love with it at first bite because it reminded me of a popular Trinidad dish called pholourie. (Remind me to write a post on it). Also, because I’m a vegetarian, this was the only option for me in most of the places we went.

Falafel is made from chick peas seasoned with herbs, rolled into balls and fried. Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a great source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are an excellent dish for either vegetarian or vegan.

In Israel, falafels are served with pita bread, some salad and hummus, also made from chickpeas. Therefore, it is quite a filling and nutritious meal. I found that when I ate falafels at lunch time, I did not get hungry as quickly as if I’d eaten something else, which is very good for weight control.

Nutritional facts in 1 oz of chickpeas:

  • Calories – 46
  • Carbs – 8 grams
  • Protein – 3 grams
  • Folate – 12% of the RDI
  • Iron – 4% of the RDI
  • Manganese – 14% of the RDI
  • Other minerals are phosphorous and copper supplying 5% each
  • Fiber – 2 grams

Chickpeas have been found to have other benefits:

  1. They control blood glucose levels, which would be helpful to people with Type 2 diabetes.
  2. Because they are a low-glycemic food, they may also help to prevent heart disease. The soluble fiber in chickpeas may help prevent bad cholesterol (LDL) which is associated with heart disease.
  3. Chickpeas are rich in soluble fiber, which helps to increase healthy bacteria in your gut and prevent the growth of unhealthy bacteria. This can also help to prevent digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and colon cancer.
  4. Chickpeas contain plant compounds known as saponins, said to be helpful in preventing some types of cancer.
  5. Chickpeas are inexpensive and can be easily added to soups and salads or made into a delicious hummus spread or ground and fried into falafels. If you are ready to try your hand at falafels, here is a recipe below.

Need a food processor to grind your chickpeas?

And don’t forget the thermometer to ensure your falafel is cooked just right.

Drop me a line and let me know how your falafels turned out.

Posted on

So Well Made

Medium Amber Salt Lamp

When it comes to making decisions about health products, you want to be assured that you are not only spending your money on things that will improve your health, but also that you are getting the best quality for your money. If you are a vegan, prefer organic over synthetic and are serious about optimizing the quality of your health, you might want to consider So Well products.

History

Started in 2004, So Well products are made from the highest quality organic and natural Himalayan salt by artisans and crafters who are committed to wellness and promoting better health for all people. SO WELL is a member of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, Leaping Bunny, Truth in Labeling and Green America among others.

Products

So Well products come in a variety of categories, from salt lamps, skin care, salt therapy, deodorants, kitchen gourmet items, and many more for healing as well as for everyday use. Products are made from pure Himalayan salt harvested from ancient, pollution-free sea beds. So Well artisans fashion magnificent salt crystals into exquisite lamps that are not only works of art, but have health benefits as well. You will also be pleased to know that the folks at So Well create only items they use themselves and their packaging is reusable and recyclable. You can’t desire more from a company whose brand is eco-friendly, natural and organic.

Properties

By now I’m sure you are sold on the vegan purity of the products, but why Himalayan salt? What is so special about this type of salt? For one thing, So Well Fair Trade Gourmet Himalayan Salt contains 84 mineral salts and is easily absorbed by the body. The same cannot be said for regular sea salt. Himalayan Salt is 200 million years old and has been nurtured by earth pressure and energy over time. So Well offers superior quality lamps, including rare grey/white raw salt lamps.

Rare Grey Salt Lamps

Benefits


Salt lamps generate negative ions which have been found to cure asthma and bronchitis more quickly than drugs (including antibiotics). Children and infants treated with neg-ions are less prone to have asthma relapses. Researchers also found that babies didn’t cry as often or as loudly when placed in a room with atmospheric ions as they do in normal air. Salt lamps are also known to create a soothing atmosphere which helps to promote relaxation and better sleep, relieve stress, attention-deficit and more.

I am always encouraging you to eat right and exercise, but with all the pollutants in your home from electronics, there will be a build-up of positive ions, which are known to deplete our serotonin levels (the neurotransmitter that fights depression), causing stress, cancer and a host of other problems. Why not transform your home and your health with the use of Himalayan salt products and salt lamps? You will love the difference.

The links in this post are affiliate links. If you click on them I will receive a small commission.
If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends and invite them to sign up for my newsletter where I feature more health news and exciting offers.