Eat Healthy...Eat Italian

I think we can all agree on the fact that we love Italian food. You wouldn’t be reading this if you didn’t. Americans have embraced Italian cuisine almost as much, if not more than Italians. It has permeated our culture and our restaurants. In so doing, it has in many ways been transformed into something American, however not necessarily in a good way. Chain restaurants have been serving ‘American Italian’ food which is distinctly not Italian at all. ‘Red’ sauce, ‘Italian’ dressing, bread crumbs, garlic bread and ‘Italian’ seasoning have become staples of American Italian cuisine, but these items are not representative of the traditional Italian lifestyle. These items are often loaded with additives that would not be found in Italy.

Italian preparation is traditionally simple. The overwhelming characteristic is freshness. Antonio Laudisio will tell you the beauty is in the simplicity. “Our job is to reveal the natural flavor of the ingredients” he says. These natural flavors are what drive traditional Italian cuisine, and some of them are loaded with health benefits you may not be aware of.

According to sixwise.com, the 6 healthiest components of Italian cuisine are: Tomatoes, Oregano, Garlic, Olives and Olive Oil, Artichokes and Basil. Sixwise.com explores the health benefits of each of these ingredients (http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/06/05/17/the_6_healthiest_staple_foods_in_italian_cuisine.htm). To sum, tomatoes are vitamin rich and high in lycopene, a cancer fighting agent. Oregano is rich in antioxidants. Garlic has many documented health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. Olives are one of the oldest foods known to man, and olive oil is associated with fighting heart disease and colon cancer. Artichokes are an excellent source of magnesium, folic acid, fiber and vitamin C. Basil is known to ward off bacteria, and is an excellent source of iron, calcium and vitamin A.

Along with these health-promoting ingredients, fresh vegetables are another staple of Italian cuisine, one we are proud to represent here in Laudisio. Our chefs use only the freshest ingredients available.

Laudisio is very proud to adhere to the traditional Italian philosophy of simplicity, allowing the ingredients to speak for themselves, without being overwhelmed. These practices are easy to implement in your home as well. Olive oil, fresh herbs, fresh vegetables; these are the staples that will ensure a delicious, healthy Italian meal.

So relax, and indulge yourself with the peace of mind that traditional Italian fare is actually good for you!