The best restaurant Orlando, Christini’s, recognizes that Italian cuisine, in its purest form, is prepared from the healthiest and most nutritious ingredients found in the Mediterranean. It has long been recognized that eating a Mediterranean-style diet is an excellent way to promote heart health, assists in maintaining a healthy weight, and encourages an overall wholesome lifestyle. Here’s a quick glance at some of the health perks associated with eating an Italian diet.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil in all forms, such as virgin, extra virgin, cold pressed, etc., contains monosaturated fats, which is known to reduce bad cholesterol. It also contains a decent amount of antioxidants, which help to promote healthy tissue and organs.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are an integral part of the Italian diet. Fresh tomatoes make the most incredible sauce and add freshness, acidity, and flavor to many dishes. Tomatoes are a serious source of vitamin C, vitamin K, lycopene, and follate, which is the natural occurring form of folic acid. Pickled, roasted, crushed, pureed, or fresh: Italians eat tomatoes daily.
- Dark, Green Leafy Veggies: Italian menus are supplemented by a wonderful variety of dark green leafy vegetables, such as escarole, chard, and kale. High in potassium, calcium and fiber, these vegetables are an essential part of a well-balanced diet, and while we are in the garden, let’s not overlook beans. Beans are eaten to replace meat protein frequently in the Italian diet. They are a great source of antioxidants, calcium, iron, zinc, and fiber.
- Garlic: An essential component of most savory dishes, garlic is no slouch in the healthy eating department. The results of several recent studies indicate that garlic contributes to a healthy heart, and may indeed decrease the chances of developing certain types of cancer.
- Seafood: Seafood is eaten almost everywhere in Italy. Most Italians incorporate several meals per week of fish and shellfish into their diets. Shellfish is delicately poached, steamed, or grilled, and flavored with lemon and other fresh herbs. Because it is prepared in its simplest forms, it provides great protein, niacin, and selenium. Tuna, salmon, and other fattier species, are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids to promote heart and brain health.
- Nuts: Many people are unaware that nut trees are quite prolific in Italy, producing a wide variety of flavorful protein,. This is high is arginine that promotes healthy blood vessels, calcium, vitamin E, fiber, magnesium, and folate.
- Whole Grains: Whole grains are used in the making of bread flours and pasta throughout Italy. Whole grains are known to digest slowly, resulting in better regulation of the glycemic index in the blood. The consumption of whole grains is also attributed with protection against heart disease.
There is just no excuse for not eating healthy like the Italians. Sample the best Italian restaurant in Orlando, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, today. Make reservations at (407) 583-4472 to experience an authentic Northern Italian meal prepared with the healthiest and freshest ingredients.
