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Nosh & Nourish: Is Kosher Food Really Healthier?
The word “kosher” has become part of the everyday American vocabulary. If something is kosher, it’s all above board, genuine, and trustworthy – just like kosher food. As much as kashrut is an important tenet of Judaism, getting the kosher stamp of approval has come to mean so much more. It stands for a certain level of quality and attention to detail, which has attracted health-conscious eaters from all walks of life. Some might say kashrut is the secret sauce for maintaining a healthy diet.
We know it’s good for the soul, but is it really good for the body, too? Is kosher food healthier? Let’s take a look.
What Is Kosher Food, Anyway?
“Kosher” isn’t a style of food like Italian or Greek. Rather, it describes food that follows the strict dietary requirements of Jewish law. From a religious perspective, kashrut goes beyond food safety and health concerns. The word “kosher” comes from the Hebrew “kasher,” which means pure, proper, or suitable for consumption.
You may have already come across the basic rules of kashrut. The separation of meat and milk food comes directly from the Torah, as do exclusions around the types of animals that make the cut. Famously, Jews don’t eat pork or any pig-derived products – down to the rennet used to make certain cheeses. Shellfish is out, too. And even if an animal is on the green list, it must still be properly slaughtered and all blood removed to keep its kosher status.
A kosher diet isn’t just about excluding certain foods or combinations – it’s also about meticulous food preparation. Adherence to these complex laws is a part of religious observance, so in different communities, there are varying levels of “keeping kosher.” Kosher food restaurants are certified according to the standards of the local religious authorities, so the community can feel safe and comfortable eating there.
In short, kashrut is a mindset shift about food – it doesn’t just nourish our bodies but also our souls. Following the guidance set out in the Torah and expanded upon by generations of learned sages, for many Jews, it’s a way of life.
Is Kosher Food Healthier or What?
For starters, there’s a sense of comfort that comes from knowing an extra pair of eyes is watching over the production process. If something is on the kosher food menu, then it is what it says it is. One of the most obvious benefits is the prevention of unknown contaminants finding their way into your meal. For example, insects are not kosher, so vegetables, fruits, and grains are cleaned and checked meticulously.
Kosher food restaurants can be a haven for people with certain food allergies. The “parev” designation, given to foods considered to be neither “milk” nor “meat,” assures vegans and vegetarians that there won’t be a trace of animal products in their lunch. Likewise, for dairy-free and lactose-intolerant diners, kosher meat products – like our smash burgers – are 100% free of any dairy products. (We use vegan cheese on our iconic smash burgers, from the Single Smash to the Jalapeño Burger – you’ll see it clearly labeled on our menu.) If you’re allergic to shellfish, you can feel confident that any food labeled kosher by an orthodox authority is safe to eat.
However, while there are kosher diet foods, not all kosher food is automatically healthier. You can get kosher junk food, and nobody is accusing Bubbe’s Passover feast of being an opportunity to lose weight. It’s still up to you to make healthy choices. Fortunately, our burgers are made with only the finest fresh ingredients, so you can enjoy them as part of your healthy diet.
Get Your Kosher Burgers At Smash House Burger
As if you needed an extra reason to dig your teeth into one of the best burgers in the world, all of our Smash House Burgers locations are fully kosher-certified. We use only the best for our house meat blend, and there are never any hidden ingredients. Got a food allergy or diet restriction? We’ll help you find something to enjoy on our kosher menu.
There are many kosher food restaurants, but only at ours are classic American favorites made with such pizzazz and flavor. Bring the family and friends – even Bubbe and Zaide! – or order in and enjoy a smashing kosher meal from the comfort of your couch.
