Wednesday, April 16, 2003

India Palace open in Fayetteville

Indian cuisine is a festival for the senses, Raj Patel, owner of India Palace, explains to diners who visit his restaurant located just north of Fayetteville on Hwy. 85. Plus, it offers excellent health benefits.

Brilliant herbs, spices and vegetables are a treat for the eyes. The nose is enticed by fragrant aromas. Subtle and fiery flavors delight the tongue, and even tactile pleasures are experienced since many Indian dishes are eaten with the fingers. But hearing Patel say that many ingredients used in Indian cuisine offer excellent health benefits - that' s music to the ears.

Ginger and garlic are two common ingredients in dishes served at India Palace. Ginger contains antioxidants and zingerone which reacts with free radicals that can cause tissue damage and inflammation. Chemicals contained in garlic can protect the body from cardiovascular disease, infections, diabetes and respiratory problems.

Your good HDL cholesterol levels may be boosted when consuming Indian dishes, too, because onions are common ingredients. In addition, onions facilitate blood clot dissolving activity and attack bacteria that causes infections.

Dal is a favorite Indian dish which can include lentils and other legumes as well as peas and beans. These are a good source of protein, are very low in fat and supply loads of fiber.

In addition to bringing the "fire" to some Indian dishes, chilies contain Capsaicin, which improves digestion, has a laxative effect, lowers triglycerides and may reduce high blood pressure, protect against some forms of cancer and increase your metabolic rate, causing you to burn more calories.

Turmeric, an ingredient of curry powder, contains curcumin, which increases energy levels, may relieve arthritis, improves digestion and may inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells. It may also lower cholesterol.

Potatoes are a staple in Indian cuisine. Potatoes contain anticancer protease inhibitors, are high in potassium and may help prevent high blood pressure and strokes.

Coriander, cumin, mint and clovers are also common Indian spices. Coriander has been proven to chelate toxic metals from the body. Cumin contains the anticancer agent carevol and limonene. Mint surpresses indigestion, fights congestion and relieves nausea. Cloves, which contain eugenol, are a strong antiseptic and stimulant.

This should be more than enough information to convince reluctant diners to give Indian cuisine a try. India Palace is open seven days a week, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. for dinner. Prices range from $4 to $12.

India Palace has been owned and operated by Patel for the past 17 years, and is now in a new location. He is planning to add a lunch buffet to the regular menu soon. From Fayetteville, take Hwy. 85 north towards Riverdale. The restaurant will be on the right side of the road, just before Hwy. 138, in Pit Stop Plaza.

Enjoy!

Back to Dining Guide Home Page | Back to the top of the page