Is Shawarma Healthy? In this blog post, I will be discussing the health benefits and drawbacks of Shawarma.
In general, Shawarma is a dish that has been around for centuries in one form or another. It originated in Turkey and spread to other parts of Europe and Asia.
The word means “turning roast,” which refers to the turning spit over an open fire that cooks it slowly from all sides. Most people know Shawarma as a fast food item in a pita wrap.
Still, in its original state, it was eaten with rice pilaf or bread typically along with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, parsley, and green pepper sauce called tahini.
The meat used can be beef, lamb, chicken, or turkey but usually consists of lamb or chicken.
So, is Shawarma healthy? The answer is both yes and no. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of eating Shawarma.
On the plus side, Shawarma is a good source of protein and contains several beneficial nutrients such as zinc, vitamin B6 and Selenium.
Protein is important for maintaining muscle mass and strength, and it also helps keep you feeling fuller for longer, which can be helpful if you are trying to lose weight.
What Is Shawarma?
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Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish consisting of meat, usually lamb or chicken, beef, and sometimes turkey.
The meat is marinated overnight in a spiced mixture that typically includes garlic, lemon juice, and salt. It’s then wrapped around a spit to cook it evenly all the way through for hours on end.
Shawarma can be served as part of an entrée with rice pilaf and vegetables or as a wrap stuffed into pita bread topped with lettuce, tomato, and onion.
Shawarma has been touted as one of the healthiest fast food options out there because it contains lean protein from healthy animals like lamb or chicken and no carbs at all!
However, you should know that not everything about Shawarma is healthy; It should be eaten in moderation and only on occasion.
Shawarma is not a healthy choice. Most shawarma dishes are high in saturated fat, around 4 to 6 grams per ounce of meat, almost twice as much as a burger from McDonald’s or Burger King.
Is Shawarma Healthy?
Shawarma is healthy if the meat is grilled or baked instead of fried. Chicken shawarma can also be made with chicken breast instead of thighs, higher in fat. If you eat out, ask for it to be served without sauce.
Like I said before, Shawarma can be considered both healthy and unhealthy depending on how it is prepared.
If you eat out at a restaurant, make sure you order the type of Shawarma that is baked or grilled instead of fried because this will help cut down on the amount of fat it contains.
Also, be sure to take off any sauce they may put on top or replace it with a tahini sauce which consists of ground sesame seeds, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. This sauce is not as high in fat as some of the others.
Nutrition Facts Of Shawarma
One 4 ounce serving of Shawarma contains around .5-3 grams of fat, depending on the source and preparation method.
Of those 3 grams, 2 are saturated fat which means a single serving can contain as much as 60% of your entire day’s recommended intake if you eat it more than occasionally.
Shawarma can also contain significant sodium levels, averaging around 900-1400 milligrams per serving. So if you’re watching your salt intake, eating Shawarma can be a bit of a challenge.
5 Best Health Benefits Of Shawarma
1. High Protein
One of the best benefits of Shawarma is its high protein content.
Protein helps your body repair tissue, regulate metabolism and maintain muscle mass which is vital for physical strength and endurance
2. Good Source Of Zinc
Shawarma is also a good source of zinc necessary for maintaining cognitive function, keeping your immune system healthy, and producing DNA.
3. Contains Selenium
Shawarma also contains Selenium, an important mineral for reproduction, thyroid function, and protecting your cells from oxidation damage.
4. Low Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the main source of energy that our body uses. But in Shawarma, there is no carbohydrate at all!
For many people who suffer from eating-related disorders such as anorexia, this can be a helpful benefit because it makes Shawarma low calorie and unlikely to trigger compulsive overeating in the same way bread or pasta might.
5. May Help Prevent Cancer
Certain compounds found in Shawarma, such as phytochemicals and polyphenols, may help prevent cancer. While more research is needed, this could benefit from eating this Middle Eastern dish.
The Bottom Line
So overall, Shawarma can be a healthy or unhealthy choice, depending on how it is prepared.
If you’re choosing to eat it, try to avoid ones that are fried or at least ask for yours to be served without sauce.
Also, remember that Shawarma should not be eaten regularly but only occasionally and in small amounts.
Dr. Aditya Gupta is a highly accomplished Indian doctor with extensive experience in the field of neurology. Born and raised in New Delhi, India, Dr. Gupta completed his medical degree from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), followed by his postgraduate studies in neurology from the same institution.
