Discover the benefits of eating halal food with MakHalal. More people around the world are becoming increasingly aware of the food they consume and the products they purchase. For many, this is simply a lifestyle choice, ensuring they consume food that is free of impurities, organic and more environmentally friendly.
On the other hand, a growing number of consumers are taking the necessary steps to ensure their food, and whatever they may consume are in line with their daily dietary requirements, to ensure they live a more balanced and healthy lifestyle.
As people become more attentive about the type of food they put in their bodies, and seek out healthier and more nutritious alternatives, for whatever reason, many have found that the consumption of Halal meats, and other Halal foods can have tremendous benefits to their physical health and mental well-being.
While there is a lot to understand about kosher food, and the Halal Food Standards Alliance in terms of what it is, how it is prepared, and where you can find halal food near you, we’ve explored some of the benefits of eating halal food.
What Does Halal Mean In Food?
To start, we need to first trace back our steps and get an idea of what is Halal food.
Traditionally, Halal translates from the Arabic language, which is an Arabic word that means “lawful” or “permitted.” The term stretches far and wide and is mostly considered in the context of Islamic Law. In this instance, Halal refers to the preparation of meat according to Islamic dietary laws.
These dietary laws ensure that specific practices and methods are followed each time an animal is being slaughtered. This ensures that the animal is free from certain impurities, and is safe for human consumption.
What Is Halal Meat?
Based on what we now know, let’s consider how Halal meat is different from regular meat that is available in the supermarket, and what the Halal methods of preparation include.
One of the biggest differences would perhaps be in the flavour, or overall taste of the meat. For instance, the Halal process is often less painful and stressful for animals, which helps reduce the release of lactic acid in their blood, which has been found to influence the taste of the meat.
Additionally, Halal meat is produced through a series of Halal methods, which is governed by Islamic law, which ensures that animals slaughtered are certified Halal and safe for human consumption. This is typically considered to be a religious slaughter and forms part of Islamic teachings and culture.
What’s more, during their lifetime, animals are raised and fed on strictly vegetarian diets, meaning they would’ve most likely eaten organic food such as grass. This in return helps to increase vitamins in the meat, such as Omega-3 fats and antioxidants, which are important nutrients for the human body.
While there are certainly other important characteristics of Halal meat, in the following section, we’re going to look at some of the benefits of Halal food.
The Benefits of Eating Halal Food
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of eating Halal food and how it can positively impact your lifestyle and dietary requirements.
Healthier
Despite the controversy surrounding the production and consumption of meat, both red and white meats, scientific research has found that the appropriate consumption of some meats remains an important dietary source for our bodies.
What’s more, Halal meat can be a healthier alternative to regular meat, due to the fact that it can carry less impurities, and the Halal process ensures that animals are slaughtered in a less painful and stressful way.
Nutrient-rich
Another benefit that comes from eating Halal food, and perhaps more Halal meat, is that similar to organic meat, the Halal meat found in supermarkets and restaurants is produced using grass-fed animals.
This would mean that these animals carry higher levels of fatty acids, vitamins, and increased traces of iron and zinc, and important antioxidants that are crucial to the human body.
Pocket-friendly
There have been instances where Halal food was found to be slightly more affordable than regular food, especially when it comes to the meat used in these products and based on the Halal principles.
In the case of Halal meat, which has been drained of excess liquids, the meat can often be lighter, which can help make it more affordable to purchase in bulk.
Halal takeaway food can often be more affordable, seeing that it requires fewer ingredients, and most of the ingredients used are more natural and organic.
Ethically sourced
Ethically-sourced food has become a major concern for consumers across the world. However, Halal food can be considered more ethical due to the nature of the Halal process for preparing the food, but also to ensure it follows Islamic dietary requirements.
For instance, Halal meat can be subject to strict guidelines, which ensures that animals follow a healthier and more organic diet. Furthermore, Islamic dietary requirements ensure that all animals are treated with dignity and respect throughout their life and during the slaughtering process.
Flavoursome
Yes, Halal food can be more flavoursome, partially due to the process in which it is being prepared, including how animals were fed and raised before being slaughtered.
Additionally, the Halal process ensures that all Halal food is free of any impurities, and does not contain any unnecessary processed ingredients which can affect the flavour and taste of the food.
Seeing as the food is free from any processed ingredients, it’s often considered to be fresher and healthier in the long term. Being less processed and containing less inorganic ingredients also helps to ensure that you always have the freshest, and most delicious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Fermented Foods Halal?
There has been confusion around this subject because fermented food contains traces of alcohol, which in Islamic law is considered not permissible.
However, in some cases, where fermented food may have a low alcohol presence that is formed naturally, and not through a starting culture, it may be considered Halal. For more information on the process, consider reading this article.
What Food Is Not Halal?
Consumables considered as not Halal are referred to as Haram foods, as these do fall under the Halal guidelines and Islamic dietary laws. These foods can include both meats and vegetables, alcohol and any animal by-products produced using alcohol, and other intoxicants.
Food that can’t be considered Halal includes pork and any pork by-products, alcohol or food prepared using alcohol, dishes prepared using artificial flavouring that contains alcohol or food that contains a blood by-product.
These are only a few examples, and if you’d like to know more about what food is not Halal, consider doing a bit of research on Islamic dietary laws and guidelines.
Final Thoughts on The Benefits of Eating Halal Food
Today, Halal food is more widely available and can be found in restaurants, cafés and supermarkets selling Halal products. While multiple points of interest differentiate what makes food Halal, it’s important to consider the many benefits Halal food can have on your physical health, and what the positive long-term effects can be of consuming Halal food.
