Tag: Arab cuisine

Drawing parallels with the famously nutritious Mediterranean diet, traditional Arab cuisine emphasizes fresh vegetables, heart-healthy olive oil, and fiber-rich legumes. However, modern dietary shifts across the region towards more processed, Western-style foods have increased concerns about non-communicable diseases. So, is Arab cuisine healthy in today’s world, or is its reputation a reflection of the past?

While there is a high prevalence of lactose intolerance among Arab populations, with some studies showing up to 80% prevalence in certain regions, Arabs do eat dairy and have a rich history of incorporating milk products into their cuisine. The consumption patterns vary greatly depending on local traditions, food processing techniques, and individual tolerance levels, with fermented products being particularly common.