Yes, falafel is generally healthy as it's packed with plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals from chickpeas, aiding digestion and blood sugar control, but its healthiness depends heavily on preparation, as deep-frying adds significant fat and calories, while baking or air-frying is a healthier choice, and sauces/add-ins can boost sodium/sugar.
Yes, falafel can be healthy as it's rich in plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals from chickpeas, promoting fullness and good digestion, but deep-frying adds significant fat and calories; baking or air-frying it, choosing healthier oil, and being mindful of high-sodium sauces keeps it a nutritious choice.
“But they may not be healthier. What our research uncovers is that these meat-free products are still packaged and processed foods containing variable amounts of salt.
You can enjoy falafel as long as it is within your calorie deficit! They are a great source of fiber and tasty. The cooking oil can make them higher…
Chickpeas are rich in prebiotic fibers that nourish the beneficial bacteria in your gut. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for digestion, immune function, and even mental health. Consuming falafel and other legume-based dishes can help promote a balanced gut flora and support overall well-being.
What are the potential downsides of eating falafel? The main downside is the high fat content, especially when deep-fried. Store-bought or restaurant falafel can also be high in sodium, which can raise blood pressure. Some people might be allergic to sesame, a common ingredient in falafel.
Falafel is higher in manganese, iron, folate, copper, and magnesium; however, chicken meat is richer in vitamin B3, selenium, vitamin B6, and vitamin B5. Chicken meat's daily need coverage for vitamin B3 is 47% more. Chicken meat contains 35 times less manganese than falafel.
Poraz also says that pizza is the closest food to current international recommendations: "Calories in food should comprise 55 percent carbohydrates, less than 30 percent fat, with proteins constituting the remainder." On the basis of these tests, pizza comes closest to the recommendation: the fat in pizza contributes ...
Falafel is made from ground, soaked, raw chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro), spices (cumin, coriander), and aromatics (onion, garlic) to form balls or patties, which are then deep-fried until crispy outside and tender inside. The key is using dried legumes that are soaked but not cooked before grinding.
French fries and any type of food that's deep fried — like onion rings, doughnuts, fried chicken, beer-battered fish, and falafel — can be inflammatory. That's because these foods can cause the immune system to release a specific type of protein called cytokines. Excess cytokines are linked to inflammation.
Unlike chicken and other animal products, chickpeas contain absolutely no cholesterol.
2 balls of Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill falafel contains 100 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 35% carbs, 53% fat, and 12% protein. This has a moderate calorie density, with 182 Calories per 100g.
Falafel are the healthiest and tastiest deep-fried bites in the world. Their main ingredient is chickpeas, or sometimes fava beans, or a combination of both, along with other herbs and spices. Falafel is rich in protein, fibre, and micronutrients. And as they are deep-fried, their fat and calorie content is a bit high.
1 falafel (17 g) of Falafel contains 57 calories (kcal)
The mixture is usually deep-fried, or it can be oven-baked. Falafel is typically ball-shaped, but is sometimes made in other shapes. The inside of falafel may be green (from green herbs such as parsley or green onion), or tan. Sometimes sesame seeds are added on top of the falafel before frying it.
What to have with falafel
Mistakes Everyone Makes With Falafel
Falafel is popular in several Mediterranean countries and is delicious fried in olive oil. It's easy to make at home with a food processor. Serve with pita bread, salad and tahini sauce.
Rich in Fiber
Fiber aids digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels. A high-fiber diet, such as one including falafel, may help reduce the risk of colon cancer. It also keeps you full longer, aiding in weight management.
The worst takeaway foods are typically deep-fried items, heavily battered dishes, and meals loaded with processed carbs, unhealthy fats (saturated/trans), and excessive salt/sugar, like large pizzas (especially with stuffed crusts), deep-fried chicken/fish, creamy Indian curries (e.g., korma, butter chicken), sweet & sour pork/chicken balls, large burger meals with fries, and some Chinese dishes (like crispy beef/prawns), as they're high in calories, fat, and sodium, lacking nutrients.
4 balls of Mendelsohn's falafel balls contains 330 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 50% carbs, 39% fat, and 11% protein. This is a good source of protein (16% of your Daily Value), fiber (61% of your Daily Value), and iron (56% of your Daily Value).
No matter how you enjoy it, falafel can be a nutrient-dense addition to your diet. This is mainly due to "chickpeas and fava beans both being great sources of plant protein and dietary fiber," says Messer. Protein helps with muscle repair and satiety, while fiber supports digestion and keeps you fuller for longer.
A rotisserie chicken will have similar nutrients to one you roast,” says Allers. “Similar protein, iron. The main difference is the amount and type of any additives.” Some stores “inject the chickens with a solution, which might contain added salt, sugar, various natural flavorings,” Allers explains.
Yes. Falafel automatically gains a good position in the breakfast category for diabetics. Plus FFD suggests shallow frying of Falafel instead of deep-frying in the original recipe. Goodness of chickpeas, herbs, onions, spices all makes this recipe friendly for diabetics.