Lavash: useful properties and contraindications

Thin sheets of baked dough have recently become very popular among Russian consumers. The product is called lavash, and in the Caucasian cuisine it is customary to eat it instead of our traditional bread. However, the consumption of pita is not limited to this - with its help you can prepare many different, tasty and nourishing dishes.

What is lavash

Basically, it is the same bread, only in the form of a thin flatbread. Lavash is baked from wheat flour using a yeast-free cooking technology in a special oven - tandir. A set of the simplest ingredients is used for the dough - water, salt and flour.

Traditionally in Eastern countries, lavash is prepared by the oldest woman living in the house. She kneads the dough, spreads it on the walls of a special device, and bakes it in the oven. The result is a thin, dry layer, which should be sprinkled with water before being eaten. Then it tastes better and becomes soft.

Types of

There are 2 varieties of the product. These are lavash:

• Armenian;
• Georgian.

The first is the thinnest layer of square or oval shape, which can be used instead of bread or to wrap any fillings. The second has a rather puffy form, since it contains yeast. Georgian pita is also an excellent substitute for bread, but enterprising housewives use it as a base for pizza. It is clear that the caloric content of such a product is higher than the classic product of the inhabitants of Armenia.

Apart from flour, salt and water there should be nothing in the dough for making classic Armenian lavash. But in the olden days in the East, they used to add poppy seeds or sesame seeds. These are the only components that can be used in the dough.

What is healthier: bread or pita bread?

Definitely, the Armenian lavash is healthier than the usual, yeast bread. After all, yeast is a fungus, which in large quantities can cause all kinds of disorders in the human body. The low acidity of Caucasian flatbread, its low caloric content and other useful properties should not be underestimated. Not for nothing, it is the Caucasians who can boast of the longest life expectancy in the world. Maybe thin, unleavened tortillas play a role here, too?

Composition and calories

The energy value of pita bread is low. If we take into account the traditional Armenian lavash, its caloric value is 270 kcal per 100 grams, while for Georgian lavash it is 300 kcal. But this applies only to natural products baked according to the classical technology. Unfortunately, manufacturers of these products, producing lavash on a large scale, sin by adding flavor enhancers, stabilizers, yeast and, in some cases, eggs to the dough. This decreases the quality of products, but increases the caloric content.

The national lavash contains proteins (8 g.), fats (1 g.), carbohydrates (48 g.). It also contains vitamins B group, PP, E and such minerals as iron, magnesium, zinc, copper and fiber. The amount of fat is minimal, although the product itself is quite nutritious.

How is lavash useful?

Thin lavash is a real treasure trove of useful substances, despite the very simple composition of the product. Thanks to its regular consumption, you can:

• improve the work of the digestive organs;
• regulate metabolic processes in the body;
• normalize the level of carbohydrates;
• strengthen the immune system.

All the useful properties are inherent only in freshly baked according to traditional technology. Purchased lavash, which has lain on the shelf in the store for a long time, is not able to enrich the human body with vitamins and minerals. Especially useful is a product baked from wholemeal flour.

The general benefits

The value for the human body is available only in a natural product, which lacks various stabilizers, dyes, preservatives. The benefit of Caucasian bread in this case is priceless:

1. Thanks to the exclusion of yeast, the carbohydrate metabolism in the body is normalized.
2. It is not able to increase acidity.
3. It has vitamins and minerals in its composition, if a coarse flour is used.
4. It has a very low calorie content.

Regular consumption of lavash helps to strengthen hair and nails, improve metabolism, good performance of the digestive organs. The product is able to gently and naturally cleanse the body, which has a positive effect on appearance, health and vitality.

For men

For the stronger sex is very important to replenish vital energy reserves. And they can easily get it from the flour products, particularly Georgian and Armenian lavash. Men engaged in physical labor can not do without high-calorie and hearty products. But lavash is good to use as a snack, hearty and healthy, if you use boiled meat, cheese, cottage cheese, herbs and vegetables for stuffing. Such a dish will add strength, return vitality and quickly reduce fatigue.

For women

A huge number of vitamins B and E, responsible for the beauty, are in the Caucasian bread. Regular consumption will make your nails and hair strong, healthy and well-groomed. And the skin - smooth and clean. Even during dieting, it is impossible to completely give up carbohydrate products, because without them it is the appearance that will suffer. Therefore, even when losing weight, it is important for women to include thin pita bread in their menu, replacing yeast bread with it.

When pregnant

Girls in an interesting position are very important to support the body with vitamins and minerals. Lavash of any kind, with regular consumption has a restorative, tonic effect, so it must be present in the menu of pregnant women. The presence of fiber will gently cleanse the intestines, preventing constipation, which is not uncommon during the period of carrying a baby.

When breastfeeding

No harm will not bring lavash neither the mother, nor the baby who is breastfeeding. But, here it is important to eat Armenian or Georgian bread without any additional additives - flavorings, stabilizers, flavor enhancers. After all, chemicals can cause an allergic reaction in a baby. Ideally, it is worth consuming home-cooked pita bread. For toppings it is good to use boiled meat, cheese or cottage cheese.

For children

It is not forbidden to use Caucasian bread and toddlers. After all, it contains proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals. However, you should not use thin tortillas to completely replace wholemeal and other types of bread. But to diversify children's menus it is quite possible to use pita bread, making it into rolls with cottage cheese, cheese, vegetable fillings. You can also fill thin tortillas with poultry or eggs. Such a complete breakfast or snack will bring a lot of benefits to the immature body.

Is it possible to eat pita bread while losing weight?

People who want to lose weight should completely give up yeast baked goods, particularly bread. But, despite the diet, the body for optimal vitality must receive the necessary carbohydrates. In this case Armenian pita bread can become a permanent product in the diet of a slimmer person. It can be eaten instead of bread, it can be wrapped with vegetables, greens, cottage cheese, which will bring additional benefits to the body and will not have a negative impact on the figure.

For a variety in the menu, you can rarely indulge yourself and Georgian flatbread. Despite the presence of yeast, it does not contain a bakery component, and the caloric value is not much different from the energy value of thin lavash. Consumption of the national Georgian bread will fill a person with healthy vitality, allow the strength to recover quickly, and ensure good health. This is very important when following a diet to lose weight.

Lavash in medicine

In itself, Caucasian national bread is not a medicine that can cure certain diseases. But, it may well be included in the diet for various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, given the overall benefits for the body and for the digestive organs in particular.

In general, thin lavash, cooked without yeast and having no harmful components in its composition, carries a health-improving effect, restores strength, returns vitality. Eat lavash for any disease should be in small quantities. Although freshly cooked cakes and have a huge benefit to the body, but this applies only to healthy people. Therefore, with some diseases before using lavash should be dried and cooled. Or use Caucasian bread made a few days ago.

In case of diabetes

Diabetics should strictly follow a balanced diet, eliminating foods that raise blood sugar levels. Large amounts of pita can increase sugar, so eat it in small doses. Reduce the harm of starch and gluten will help fresh fruits and vegetables, which are recommended to use in combination with Caucasian bread.

A great option for diabetics would be pita bread made of wholemeal flour. In any case, the low glycemic index and low caloric content of the product allows you to include it in your diet to people suffering from type 2 diabetes and obesity.

In pancreatitis

This disease involves compulsory, strict adherence to a diet and a balanced diet. Most products with pancreatitis are simply excluded from the menu. During the remission period it is quite possible to eat thin Armenian pita, but only in very limited quantities. At the same time, the scone should be stale - several days should pass after it has been cooked. After that, you should carefully monitor the state of the digestive organs. If everything is all right, lavash can be included in the menu in small quantities. With his help, you can completely replace flour products.

For gastritis

Thin flatbreads are quite possible to eat and people suffering from gastritis. The product does not increase the acidity of gastric juice, which is a very valuable property for patients with gastrointestinal diseases. It does not contain yeast and regulates the carbohydrate balance in the body, which is also important for people suffering from gastritis. You can eat it in an unleavened form, in small quantities. It is good if with the help of pita the patient manages to exclude from the menu other flour products, moreover, yeast products.

In colitis

In the acute stage of inflammation of the mucous tissues of the intestine, any intake of food is strictly forbidden. In remission, people with colitis can eat Caucasian bread. But in the same way as with pancreatitis and gastritis - in stale form. You can use lavash in food from the date of manufacture, which has passed a few days, or dried in a toaster, in a dry frying pan a fresh flatbread. Eat it in small quantities, watching the state of health.

For gout

It is possible to consume Georgian or Armenian pita for gout, replacing the usual bread with it. It must be at least of yesterday's date, but not of today's baking. In no case in this disease can not be eaten lavash stuffed with smoked chicken, eggs, cottage cheese. After all, with gout it is important to reduce the intake of purines in the body. But a great snack will be a pita roll with cucumber and tomato stuffing with plenty of fresh herbs. It is desirable to dry the prepared dish in an electric grill.

For constipation

Before you start treating constipation, it is desirable to find out what its cause is. But, in any case, it is worth diversifying your diet with foods rich in fiber, able to rid the body of toxins and harmful substances. It is to such foodstuffs include pita without yeast, from wholemeal flour. Fiber gently affects the digestive organs, improving their work, which leads to a natural purification. You should eat thin flatbread with raw vegetables and greens. But Georgian bread will not help to get rid of constipation, because it contains yeast.

When hemorrhoids

With such an unpleasant disease as hemorrhoids, a therapeutic diet aimed at improving the work of the digestive organs is very important. Here it is quite possible to eat lavash, which, with regular use, increases the peristalsis of the intestines, improves the function of the gastrointestinal organs and rid the body of toxins. The main thing with hemorrhoids is the principle of fractional meals, so any foodstuffs are consumed in limited quantities at a time.

In cholecystitis

The inflamed pancreas is not able to perceive flour products, especially if they are cooked with the addition of yeast. In the remission stage, you can eat dried and completely cooled Armenian pita, which is better to replace regular bread. Excellent, if it is prepared from rye flour, which is the most preferred in cholecystitis.

Harm and contraindications

Cooked without the addition of artificial ingredients lavash can not bring harm to the human body. The product also has no contraindications. The only thing is an individual intolerance to gluten. Harm to humans can bring the consumption of improperly stored products. It happens that the packages of pita bread are torn, which causes its improper storage. In this case, the product can quickly become covered with mold and become dangerous to health. It is better to refuse to buy it.

How to make pita bread at home

Freshly cooked Caucasian flatbread, on which the hostess will work hard at home, will have a maximum of useful substances. At the same time, it will not take much time to prepare, and the products are so simple that they are available in every home. For cooking it is not necessary to use the national oven - tandoor. It is quite suitable to use an ordinary electric or gas stove and a frying pan.

Armenian

For the thin lavash take:

• 350 grams of flour;
• 200 ml of water;
• half a teaspoon of salt;
• You can add a tablespoon of vegetable oil.

Flour is sifted into a bowl, salt dissolved in water is poured there. Knead the dough until the water is completely absorbed. Then transfer it to a table and continue kneading for 5 minutes. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rest. Form a sausage and cut it into 10 pieces. Roll out into tortillas, which thickness does not exceed 3 mm. Place an empty frying pan on medium heat and place a layer of dough. Turn it over and fry the other side. Place on a board and sprinkle with water. Cover with a towel to prevent lavash from drying out and getting stiff.

Georgian

To make the Georgian bread you will need:

• 250 grams of flour;
• half a cup of water;
• one teaspoon of yeast;
• One teaspoon of vegetable oil.

All components are mixed, pre-diluting the yeast in water and giving it a "cap" to rise. The dough is left for 40 minutes in a warm place. On a baking tray, greased with oil, form an oval cake with narrowed ends, using a fork to make holes, so that the dough does not swell during baking. Place in a well heated oven at a temperature of 210-220 degrees and bake for 7-10 minutes. After that, flip the scone and finish baking on the other side for 5 minutes.

What can be made out of pita bread

A lot of different dishes can be prepared from thin sheets. These are all kinds of rolls with fillings from eggs, meat, poultry, vegetables, cottage cheese, cheese. The fillings are wrapped in pita bread, cooled, and cut into pieces. Or, first cut into slices, wrap stuffing and roll into triangles. They are fried in oil in a frying pan or in an electric grill. Shawarma is another popular dish made of Armenian pita bread. The product must contain chicken breast, tomatoes and cucumbers, mayonnaise. Everything is wrapped up in a layer, put on the grill and fried until crispy. They make thin tortillas and casseroles, pita bread, sandwiches, lula kekab and many other dishes. In general, there are hundreds of ways to prepare delicious dishes from the Armenian pita and many methods of wrapping it.

Georgian pita, as mentioned above, can be used to make a quick pizza. One flatbread is cut in half lengthwise, put a filling of ketchup, tomatoes, sausage, mushrooms and cheese on each base. They are placed in the oven or microwave. That's it - a hearty meal is ready!

What is pita bread eaten with?

Real Caucasian bread, cooked according to classical technology, is completely tasteless. Sometimes it does not even have salt. This serves as an excellent basis for the preparation of various dishes, where lavash will only accentuate the taste of the filling, but not overpower it. Therefore, flatbread goes well with greens, cheese - soft, hard, cottage cheese. With cottage cheese, poultry, sausage, salted red fish and seafood, canned fish. As well as with vegetables - spicy carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, white and Beijing cabbage, eggs, mushrooms. That is, there are so many variations of toppings for pita dishes that if you make a new one every day, you can not repeat it for a year!

How to store pita bread properly

To preserve the taste and useful properties, it is important to eat a product that was baked no later than 2-3 days ago. As a rule, lavash is preserved in airtight packages with preservatives. Otherwise, it will quickly get moldy and fall into disrepair. It is best to store bread in a special container - a wooden breadbox at room temperature, in a dry room. This way, it will not lose its properties within 5 days. If the product gets wet, it quickly goes mouldy and spoils.

Can be kept in the freezer

Lavash can be stored in the freezer for a long time. Firstly it is wrapped in cling film or parchment. In this case, the product will be preserved and will not lose its properties for 3 months.

Can be stored in the refrigerator

Moisture-soaked pita can be stored in the refrigerator on the top shelf. Pre-wrap it in a cellophane bag, thereby excluding the air. Airtight wrapped bread will not get moldy for a few days.

Can I eat expired pita bread?

The shelf life of thin Armenian lavash is quite long, if it is stored in the right conditions. When packaging the product, manufacturers add nutrients that contribute to its long shelf life. But, they are effective only until the package is opened. After that, you should use a breadbox, refrigerator or freezer to preserve pita bread.

If the storage technology is not followed, the bread will quickly deteriorate, covered with mold. It is clear that you will not be able to eat it. Otherwise there is no way to avoid food poisoning. If there is no mold and extraneous odors, then, to eat pita bread is quite possible.

Interesting facts about pita bread

Did you know that:

1. The technology of making Armenian lavash, which was used by people in ancient times 5000 years ago, is still preserved. The national dish is prepared just as it was then. Only in mass production lavash machines are used.
2. Only lavash traditionally made in tandyr can keep its useful properties and high quality for several weeks. The temperature in the oven during baking is more than 300 degrees. Therefore, it is impossible to reproduce a culinary masterpiece in the city kitchen.
3. Exactly thin flatbreads cooked in tandoor, dried meat, dried dates and raisins were the basic ration of ancient traders, who crossed hundreds of kilometers on foot along the Great Silk Road.
4. Armenian pita is recognized as one of the most adaptable products in the world. It can be quite harmoniously introduced into any cuisine and prepare many different national dishes.
5. Nutritionists call lavash the most useful bakery product.

Unique in its history and taste characteristics of the product of Eastern cuisine simply could not be unappreciated by other peoples. Today it is gladly used by housewives for cooking not only daily, but also festive dishes. And, each time the taste of pita opens up in a new, amazing way.

Photo of pita bread