7 side effects of eating shawarma

By Chioma Obinagwam

Shawarma is a delicious snack but is it really good for your health?

Shawarma, a delicious Middle Eastern dish that originated in the Levant region during the Ottoman Empire, can either make or mar your health depending on the ingredients you choose to prepare it.

Confiance News gathered that it is typically served as a sandwich or wrap in flatbreads like pita, laffa, or lavash and stuffed with beef, chicken, sausages, depending on your preferences.

Reacting to the side effects of eating shawarma, a nutritionist known as “Healthy Eating with Nazo” on X said: “Shawarma can be a healthy option, depending on the ingredients and preparation methods used. Here are some factors to consider: Shawarma typically features lean meats like chicken, turkey, or lamb.”

She added that other health benefits of shawarma include the addition of vegetables like cabbage, tomato, carrots, onion, lettuce and parsley to the recipe.

The use of whole wheat or whole grain pita bread in wrapping offers additional health benefits.

The nutritionist highlighted the unhealthy aspects of shawarma to include:

“High amounts of oil and butter may be used in cooking and dressing.”

She noted that some shawarma recipes include processed meats like sausage or bacon.

Confiance News learnt that eating processed meat predisposes you to cancer and heart disease.

Undercooked shawarma can cause food poisoning.

Some of the ingredients in making shawarma, like the oils may raise bad cholesterol levels.

Consuming shawarma may lead to weight gain.

More so, most of the seasonings used in spicing it contains sodium, which may lead to dehydration and impact blood pressure.

“Large portions and excessive condiments can increase calorie intake,” she continued.

“To make shawarma a healthier option,” she said. “Choose whole grain pita bread; opt for lean meats and vegetables; limit or avoid added oils and condiments and select smaller portions or share a serving.”

Corroborating, another X user known as Pharm. Uloma, said: “Shawarma is best when you prepare it yourself with healthy alternatives.”