(978) 682-6811 • customerservice@gbakery.com

     
(978) 682-6811
customerservice@gbakery.com

     

Monday – Saturday
7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: CLOSED
Cart    Checkout    My Account

Login
Logout

Customer Reviews

Customer Reviews

9 Surprising Benefits of Tahini

Tahini is a paste made from toasted, ground sesame seeds. It has a light, nutty flavor. It’s best known as an ingredient in hummus but widely used in many dishes around the world, particularly in Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. Aside from its culinary uses, tahini offers several health benefits. Here are 9 health benefits of tahini.

1. Highly nutritious

Tahini is full of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. In fact, just 1 tablespoon (15 grams) provides more than 10% of the Daily Value (DV) for some nutrients. One tablespoon (15 grams) of tahini contains the following: • Calories: 90 calories • Protein: 3 grams • Fat: 8 grams • Carbs: 3 grams • Fiber: 1 gram • Thiamine: 13% of the DV • Vitamin B6: 11% of the DV • Phosphorus: 11% of the DV • Manganese: 11% of the DV Tahini is a great source of phosphorus and manganese, both of which play vital roles in bone health. It’s also high in thiamine (vitamin B1) and vitamin B6, which are important for energy production. Additionally, about 50% of the fat in tahini comes from monounsaturated fatty acids. These have anti-inflammatory properties and have been linked to a decreased risk of chronic disease.

Summary

Tahini contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. It’s also rich in anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fats.

2. Rich in antioxidants

Tahini contains antioxidants called lignans, which help prevent free radical damage in your body and may reduce your risk of disease. Free radicals are unstable compounds. When present in high levels in your body, they can damage tissues and contribute to the development of diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Tahini is particularly high in the lignan sesamin, a compound that has shown promising antioxidant potential in some test-tube and animal studies. For example, it may decrease your risk of cancer and protect your liver from free radical damage. However, more research in humans is needed to fully understand these effects.

Summary

Tahini is full of antioxidants, including the lignan sesamin. In animal studies, sesamin has exhibited numerous health benefits. Yet, more research in humans is needed.

3. May decrease your risk of certain diseases

Consuming sesame seeds may decrease your risk of certain conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Doing so may also lower your risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. One study in 50 people with knee osteoarthritis found that those who consumed 3 tablespoons (40 grams) of sesame seeds daily had significantly reduced cholesterol levels, compared with a placebo group. Another 6-week study in 41 people with type 2 diabetes found that those who replaced part of their breakfast with 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of tahini had significantly lower triglyceride levels, compared with a control group. In addition, diets rich in monounsaturated fats have been linked to a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Summary

Sesame seeds may decrease risk factors for heart disease and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

4. May have antibacterial properties

Tahini and sesame seeds may have antibacterial properties due to the powerful antioxidants they contain. In fact, in some Central European and Middle Eastern countries, sesame oil is used as a home remedy for foot wounds associated with diabetes. In one study on the antibacterial capacity of sesame seed extract, researchers found that it was effective against 77% of the drug-resistant bacterial samples tested. Furthermore, one study in rats observed that sesame oil helped heal wounds. Researchers attributed this to the fats and antioxidants in the oil. However, this is a developing area of research, and more human studies are needed.

Summary

Sesame oil and sesame seed extract have been shown to exhibit antibacterial qualities in test-tube and animal studies. These effects are believed to be due to the healthy fats and antioxidants they contain. However, more research is needed.

5. Contains anti-inflammatory compounds

Some compounds in tahini are highly anti-inflammatory. Although short-term inflammation is a healthy and normal response to injury, chronic inflammation can damage your health. Animal studies have discovered that sesamin and other sesame seed antioxidants may ease inflammation and pain related to injury, lung disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Sesamin has also been studied in animals as a potential treatment for asthma, a condition characterized by airway inflammation. It’s important to remember that most of this research has been conducted in animals using concentrated sesame seed antioxidants ⁠— not tahini itself. Tahini contains these powerful antioxidants, but in much smaller amounts. In addition, more research is needed to fully understand how sesame seeds affect inflammation in humans.

Summary

Tahini contains anti-inflammatory antioxidants. However, more research is needed to understand the effects of sesame seeds on inflammation in humans.

6. May strengthen your central nervous system

Tahini contains compounds that may improve brain health and decrease your risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like dementia. In test-tube studies, sesame seed components have been shown to protect human brain and nerve cells from free radical damage. Sesame seed antioxidants can cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning they can leave your bloodstream and directly affect your brain and central nervous system. One animal study suggests that sesame antioxidants may also help prevent the formation of beta amyloid plaques in the brain, which is characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, a rat study found that sesame seed antioxidants mitigate the harmful effects of aluminum toxicity in the brain. However, this is early research on isolated sesame seed antioxidants — not whole sesame seeds or tahini. More research in humans is needed before conclusions can be made.

Summary

Sesame seeds and tahini contain compounds that may promote brain health and protect nerve cells, according to test-tube and animal research. More research in humans is needed on the effects of tahini on brain health.

7. May offer anticancer effects

Sesame seeds are also being researched for their potential anticancer effects. Some test-tube studies have shown that sesame seed antioxidants promote the death of colon, lung, liver, and breast cancer cells. Sesamin and sesamol — the two major antioxidants in sesame seeds — have been studied extensively for their anticancer potential. They both may promote the death of cancer cells and slow the rate of tumor growth. In addition, they are thought to protect your body from free radical damage, which may decrease your risk of cancer. Although the existing test-tube and animal research is promising, more studies in humans are needed.

Summary

Tahini contains compounds that may have anticancer properties. However, more research in humans is needed.

8. Helps protect liver and kidney function

Tahini contains compounds that may help protect your liver and kidneys from damage. These organs are responsible for removing toxins and waste from your body. One study in 46 people with type 2 diabetes found that those who consumed sesame oil for 90 days had improved kidney and liver function, compared with a control group. In addition, a test-tube study observed that sesame seed extract protected rat liver cells from a toxic metal called vanadium. What’s more, a rodent study found that sesame seed consumption promoted better liver function. It increased fat burning and decreased fat production in the liver, thereby potentially decreasing the risk of fatty liver disease. While tahini provides some of these beneficial compounds, it contains smaller amounts than those found in the sesame seed extracts and oils used in these studies.

Summary

Sesame seeds contain compounds that may protect your liver and kidneys from damage. However, more research is needed to fully understand these effects.

9. Easy to add to your diet

Tahini is easy to add to your diet. You can purchase it online and at most grocery stores. It’s well known as an ingredient in hummus, but it also makes an excellent stand-alone spread or dip for pita bread, meat, and vegetables. You can also add it to dips, salad dressings, and baked goods.
How to make tahini
Ingredients Making tahini is simple. You only need the following ingredients: • 2 cups (284 grams) of hulled sesame seeds • 1–2 tablespoons of a mild-tasting oil, such as avocado or olive oil Directions • In a large, dry saucepan, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat until they are golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool. • In a food processor, grind the sesame seeds. Slowly drizzle in oil until the paste reaches the consistency you desire. Recommendations vary for how long you can keep fresh tahini, but most websites claim it can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to a month. The natural oils in it may separate during storage, but this can be easily fixed by stirring the tahini before using it. Raw tahini is also an option. To make it, omit the first step of the recipe. However, some research indicates that toasting sesame seeds increases their nutritional benefits.

Summary

Tahini is a key ingredient in hummus, but it can also be used by itself as a dip or spread. It’s very easy to make using only hulled sesame seeds and oil.

The bottom line

Tahini is a tasty way to add powerful antioxidants and healthy fats to your diet, as well as several vitamins and minerals. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and its health benefits may include reducing risk factors for heart disease and protecting brain health. It’s also very easy to make at home using only two ingredients. Overall, tahini is a simple, healthy, and flavorful addition to your diet.
View Original Article Here

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

“Mediterranean diet” is a generic term based on the traditional eating habits in the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. There’s not one standard Mediterranean diet. At least 16 countries border the Mediterranean. Eating styles vary among these countries and even among regions within each country because of differences in culture, ethnic background, religion, economy, geography and agricultural production. However, there are some common factors.

A Mediterranean-style diet typically includes:

• plenty of fruits, vegetables, bread and other grains, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds;
• olive oil as a primary fat source; and
• dairy products, eggs, fish and poultry in low to moderate amounts.

Fish and poultry are more common than red meat in this diet. It also centers on minimally processed, plant-based foods. Wine may be consumed in low to moderate amounts, usually with meals. Fruit is a common dessert instead of sweets.

Is the Mediterranean Diet a Healthy Way to Eat?

Year after year, the Mediterranean diet comes out on top in the U.S. News and World Report annual ranking of best diets. A panel of experts judges various eating plans and popular diets on criteria including how healthy they are, how well they work and how easy they are to follow.

The Mediterranean diet is also touted as one of the healthiest by many health organizations and dietitians. So, does it live up to its good reputation?

Does the AHA recommend a Mediterranean-style diet?

Yes. A Mediterranean-style diet can help you achieve the American Heart Association’s recommendations for a healthy dietary pattern that:

• emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and legumes;
• includes low-fat or fat-free dairy products, fish, poultry, non-tropical vegetable oils and nuts; and
• limits added sugars, sugary beverages, sodium, highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and fatty or processed meats.

This style of eating can play a big role in preventing heart disease and stroke and reducing risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. There is some evidence that a Mediterranean diet rich in virgin olive oil may help the body remove excess cholesterol from arteries and keep blood vessels open.

What about other popular diets?

You may have heard about popular diets like paleo, ketogenic (or keto), Atkins, interval, zone and Whole30. Keep in mind, not all trendy diets meet the AHA’s science-based criteria for a healthy eating pattern. Some show dramatic but short-term results and are not heart-healthy.

DASH, or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is another eating plan that aligns with AHA recommendations and has been proven to improve health. The DASH diet allows more dairy products and meat, while the Mediterranean diet includes regular use of olive oil.

A plant-based, vegetarian or vegan diet can also be a healthy way to eat.

The most important thing is to focus on the overall quality of your diet, rather than single nutrients or foods. Try to include more nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes and lean proteins. Limit foods that offer lots of calories but little nutritional value.

What are other benefits of a healthy diet?

What you eat affects many aspects of your overall health, including brain health. A healthy diet can improve your ability to think, remember and process information as you age.

In one study, the healthiest eaters at age 50 had a nearly 90% lower risk of dementia compared with those who had the least healthy diets. The Mediterranean and DASH diets have been proven to boost brain health as well as improve heart health.

View Original Article Here

12 Classic Lebanese Foods Everyone Needs to Try

Lebanon is a small country in the middle east located off of the Mediterranean sea. Beirut, its capital, is known as the “Paris of the Middle East” because of its beauty, charm and culture.

As Barbara Masaad explains in this video for SO Beirut, food is in all aspects of a person’s life in Lebanon. This country is known as the melting pot of the Middle East because over the course of history many civilizations gathered here, bringing their own recipes and their own way of creating food.

The Lebanese people have gathered this culinary knowledge and used it in their cuisine. Because Lebanon is a melting pot, the countries that surround it have similar cuisines. Consequently, Israeli food and Greek food are noticeably similar to Lebanese cuisine.

I come from a huge family in Lebanon where food is the center of each gathering. Making food is an outlet for women to socialize and dining brings the whole family together, no matter what the occasion is.

Lebanese dishes are cooked with olive oil, a substance that has no saturated fat. It has proven to lower your risk of heart disease, cancer and strokes. Coincidentally, populations from the Middle Eastern region have longer life expectancies. Other popular ingredients used in Lebanese dishes include bulgur, garlic, parsley, and mint.

Below, we’ve narrowed down some our favorite Lebanese dishes and drinks.

1. Baba Ghanoush

If you like hummus, baba ghanoush is a must-try. It’s a dip that’s served with pita bread and drizzled with olive oil. It tastes very similar to hummus because it’s made with tahini. The main difference is that baba ghanoush is made from eggplant instead of chickpeas, and sometimes it’s topped with pomegranate. The variance of flavors is delicious.

2. Shish Taouk

Shish taouk (or chicken kebab) is a Lebanese staple. What makes it so delicious are the spices. Shish taouk is marinated overnight in lemon juice, garlic, paprika, yogurt and tomato paste. It’s usually served as a platter, or wrapped in hubbus (pita bread) with garlic sauce on the side to create a sandwich.

Sandwiches are quite common in Lebanon, surprisingly. There’s a small pub in Beirut called The Orient Express that cooks up a pretty unique version of this classic dish. They call it “The Ranger.”

3. Kibbe Nayeh

Ahhhh. Kibbe nayeh… When I was little my dad used to sneak me platefuls of this because my mom didn’t want me eating raw meat. Yeah, you read that right. It’s raw beef (Lebanese sushi?).

Kibbe Nayeh is made from raw beef or lam blended with bulgur, pureed onion, and spices. It is recommended that if you are going to make this you grind the meat yourself in a food processor to avoid disease. Like most Lebanese dishes, it’s served with pita bread and fresh vegetables.

4. Manakeesh

Manakeesh is like Lebanese pizza. It can be made with meat, cheese, zaatar (which is a strain of thyme), or kishik (a cracked wheat paste). Made on fresh dough and baked in an oven, manakeesh is typically served with tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh mint leaves, and olives.

5. Falafel

If you haven’t tried falafel yet, you’re living under a rock. Falafel is made from crushed chickpeas that are deep fried. It’s served in a pita sandwich with vegetables and tahini sauce (tahini is the same stuff they put in hummus and baba ghanoush).

6. Tabbouleh

Tabbouleh is a salad made of bulgur, tomatoes, onions, and parsley. It’s mixed with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. It is served with lettuce on the side.

7. Fattoush

Fattoush is a traditional Lebanese salad. Instead of croutons, we bake or fry pita bread and then crush it up and mix it in. The dressing is a mixture of olive juice, garlic, lemon, and salt.

8. Shawarma

Shawarma is traditionally made on a rotating spit and the meat is shaved off. It is served (as you would expect) on pita bread with vegetables. Shawarma is also served with tahini sauce. It is typically paired with tabbouleh or fattoush. Basically, it’s a Lebanese gyro.

9. Kofta

Kofta is the beef on the left in this image. Kofta are balls of minced meat mixed with parsley, spices, and onions. It can be served on its own, or with potatoes in a tomato sauce. Kofta (otherwise spelled Köfte) has made its way to as far as Turkey, where they eat it with a yogurt dip.

10. Kunafeh

Kunafeh is a Lebanese delicacy, made of a cheese pastry topped with pistachios and served with a sugar syrup. It can be made in a million different ways. Depending on how it is made, it is served as a breakfast or a dessert. When it is placed on bread, it is eaten as a sandwich at breakfast time. I took this photo at a bakery last summer when I was in Lebanon.

11. Baklava

Baklava is not Greek — it’s Lebanese. What is it? Baklava is a pastry made from layers of filo dough, honey, and assorted nuts. The Lebanese people think of baklava as gold. When I travel to Lebanon, I bring empty suitcases only to fill with boxes of baklava to bring back home.

12. Wine and Arak

Last but not least, alcohol (you probably were not expecting that). I come from a small region in Lebanon that is recognized globally for its wine. Lebanon is one of the oldest sites of wine production.

Another thing that is produced here is arak, an alcoholic drink that is made from anise seed. Arak is extremely strong, at about 63% alcohol. It is also colorless.

It’s ironic that alcohol is one of Lebanon’s biggest exports because Lebanon is a Muslim country, and Muslims don’t drink. Pictured above are the beautiful vineyards of Cave Kouroum in Kefraya.

Hopefully I didn’t make you too hungry after reading all of this. I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and go into a Mediterranean restaurant next time you have the option to. Even better, make a trip when you get the chance.
View Original Article Here

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

​