How many calories does one Falafel have?
One Falafel (20 grams) gives 94 calories. Out of which carbohydrates comprise 25 calories, proteins account for 7 calories and remaining calories come from fat which is 62 calories. One Falafel provides about 4.7 percent of the total daily calorie requirement of a standard adult diet of 2,000 calories.
Falafel recipe makes 24 falafel, 20 grams each. NOTE. 5 gm per big puri (45 calories of unhealthy fat) or samosa of oil is consumed on deep frying. 2.5 g per small one.
94 calories for 1 falafel of Falafel, Cholesterol 0 mg, Carbohydrates 6.2g, Protein 1.7g, Fat 6.9g. Find how much fibre, iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, folic acid is present in Falafel.
See falafel recipe | Indian style falafel | Lebanese falafel | with 28 amazing images.
Falafel, the crispy, flavorful fried balls or patties, is a Lebanese recipe. They are typically made from soaked chickpeas, combined with herbs, spices, and onions. Learn how to make falafel recipe | Indian style falafel | Lebanese falafel |
Indian style falafel are delicious balls of chickpea and herb goodness that are crispy on the outside, yet soft and fluffy on the inside. They’re a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and can be added to wraps, pita bread, salads, and so much more.
Making falafels at home is extremely easy, much easier than you think. Traditionally, Lebanese falafel is served in pita bread or flatbread, accompanied by fresh hummus, vegetables along with tangy sauces like tahini or yogurt-based dressings, making it a versatile and satisfying option for any occasion.
Is Falafel healthy ?
Yes, but with modifications. As the falafels are deep fried you need to cook on tava or grill.
Let's understand the Ingredients.
Kabuli Chana ( white chick peas) : Kabuli Chana which is used popularly in Chole in India is a complex carbs which prevents surges in blood sugar levels and is good for diabetics. Chickpeas are high in Fibre resulting in your stomach feeling a lot fuller than refined carbs. One cup of cooked chickpeas has 14 grams of protein, which is a really good amount. See here for 10 fabolous benefits of chickpeas.
Mint Leaves (Pudina) : Mint (pudina) being an anti-inflammatory reduces the inflammation in the stomach and shows a cleansing effect. Sipping on a healthy drink like fresh mint and lemon tea is the best option to overcome nausea for mums-to-be. Moreover its vitamin A (10% of RDA) and vitamin C (20.25%) serve as an additional boost to bring relief from cough, sore throat and also cold. Mint (pudina) is a leafy vegetable which is sure to create nourishing dishes without piling on calories, carbs or fat for that instance. What it has to offer instead is FIBER. See here for detailed benefits of mint leaves.
Parsley : Parsley is a fairly good source of calcium, which is definitely known to support bone strength. Adding parsley to your meals daily will help you build your red blood cells count and haemoglobin levels and overcome anaemia. A glass of juice with parsley like Carrot Spinach and parsley Juice is a very good detox to flush out toxins from your body and fight kidney stones. A cup of freshly chopped parsley fulfils your days requirement of vitamin C and vitamin K and folate. Parsley is part of Heart-friendly foods. See detailed benefits of parsley.
Onions (pyaz, kanda) : Raw onions are a very valuable source of vitamin C – the immune building vitamin. Along with other phytonutrients from onions, it helps to build WBC (white blood cells) which serves as a line of defence against illness. Yes, it’s a source of many antioxidants, the most important one amongst them being Quercetin. The quercetin in Onions promotes production of HDL (good cholesterol) and lowers total cholesterol in the body. The sulphur in onions act as a blood thinner and prevents blood clotting too. This in turn would lower blood pressure and good for heart, diabetics. Read the benefits of onions.
What's the porblem?
Deep fried foods : This recipe is deep fried. Any food that is deep fried is not suitable for healthy living. Your fat levels increase as deep frying increases oil absorption. Also when you use the same oil again for deep frying then smoking point decreases which leads to the development of blue smoke which is not good for health. Processed food, Deep Fried Foods also increases inflammation in the body and shuts down the fat burning process. Most diseases from heart, to cardio vascular, diabetes, parkinsons, alzheimer, cancer and obesity result when the cells get inflamed and then they don't function correctly. Inflammation in the arteries can cause heart attacks. So your diet should contain foods that fight inflammation in the body. That's how your body gets healthier by eating the right stuff. NOTE. 5 gm per big puri (45 calories of unhealthy fat) or samosa of oil is consumed on deep frying. 2.5 g per small one.
Can Diabetics, Heart Patients and overweight individuals can have falafel ?
Yes, diabetics, heart patients, and overweight individuals can generally have falafel. It's a relatively healthy option compared to many other fried foods. Here's why:
- High in Fiber and Protein: Falafel is made from chickpeas or fava beans, both of which are excellent sources of fiber and plant-based protein. These nutrients can help manage blood sugar levels, promote heart health, and aid in weight management.
- Low in Fat and Cholesterol: Falafel is typically deep-fried, but when prepared with a good quality oil and in moderation, it can be a healthier choice than other fried foods.
However, there are a few things to consider:
- Cooking Method: The method of cooking falafel can impact its healthfulness. Deep-frying in unhealthy oils can increase its calorie and fat content. Opt for baking, grilling, or air-frying for a healthier alternative.
- Hummus and Tahini: These traditional accompaniments to falafel can be high in fat. If you're managing your weight or cholesterol, use them in moderation.
- Portion Control: Enjoy falafel in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Overeating can lead to weight gain, even if the food itself is healthy.