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Feb 26,2006 - Mar 5,2006 |
Alla Salute with Gusto
Eating Italian for your health is always easy and tasty
By Rita Simonetta
Originally Published: 2003-10-05
Italian food is one of the healthiest of all cuisines. Yes, there's veal parmigiana and creamy fettucine Alfredo, but the crux of Italian cuisine is based on a mix of herbs, vegetables, beans, meat, fish and fruits.
Olive oil is the seasoning of choice in most Italian dishes and it's loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with lowing cholesterol.
If you want a health kick, look no further than the world's most celebrated comfort food: pizza. According to a recent medical study, Italian-style pizza may help fight some types of cancer.
Pizza, Italian style, is very different from the type served throughout North America.
Italians aren't interested in deep-dish pizzas loaded with double cheese, rather the standard pizza in the boot-shaped country is thin-crusted and commonly topped with olive oil, tomato sauce and fresh herbs and veggies.
Tomatoes and tomato sauce contain generous amounts of antioxidants, and olive oil contains omega-3 fatty acid, which has shown to be protect against certain types of cancer.
Pomodori al forno (Roasted Plum Tomatoes and Garlic) are simple to make but look great when served alongside any meat or fish dish. Halve tomatoes and place in a cooking dish. Push whole, unpeeled garlic cloves between them. Brush the tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add bay leaves and sprinkle with ground black pepper and paprika. Bake for about 40 minutes or until the tomatoes have charred around the edges. Add oregano for the final touch.
Italians adore their vegetables and they've dedicated countless recipes featuring their most prized possessions.
Stuffed Roast Peppers with Pesto (Pepperoni arrostiti con pesto) is a good option to marinated veggies, which contain too much oil, fat and calories.
In this recipe, red peppers, garlic cloves, pesto, black pepper, and some Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of olive oil combine to make a healthy and colourful appetizer.
Italians eat high-fat meats such as sausages and prosciutto ham in small quantities.
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