Healthy foods to eat in Dubai to maintain your health
With about 7,000–8,000 eateries open in Dubai alone, it's safe to assume that both foreigners and Emiratis like eating outdoors. However, the country is characterized by a highly sedentary lifestyle; long working hours spent in the office and time spent indoors, along with a hot temperature that makes exercise difficult, resulting in an increase in Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
More than 66 percent of men and 60 percent of women in the UAE are now overweight, as per the Global Burden of Disease Study, with the latest UAE University study indicating that the same percentages apply to about 40 percent of youngsters.
94 percent of Emiratis and ex-pats said they enjoy trying new restaurants and foods. Below is our guide to healthy foods to eat in Dubai along with what traditional foods do emiratis eat.
What are the local eating habits in Dubai?
Seafood is a staple of the Emirati diet. The cuisine of the United Arab Emirates reflects an Arabian background as well as exposure to different ethnicities over time. Breakfast dishes frequently include beef substitutes such as beef sausages and veal slices.
Most Emirati cuisines contain meat, seafood, and rice. Meats such as lamb and mutton are preferred above goat, cow, and camel meat. Dates are often eaten with meals.
Coffee and tea are traditional beverages that can be spiced up with cardamom, saffron, or spearmint for a unique flavor.
What are recommended healthy foods to eat in Dubai?
Nuts and Pulses
Nuts, pulses, and grains are all good sources of protein. They are all nutrient-dense foods. The following are a few of the healthy foods to eat:
Almond
Almonds are a nutrient-dense food. A meta-analysis published in 2019 indicated that eating almonds lowers overall cholesterol levels considerably.
Dried Fruits & Nuts
Dry fruits are among the healthy foods to eat on the market. They're a great source of protein as well as carbohydrates. They are frequently available ready to eat, making them a convenient and healthful snack. Dried apricots are also a good addition to your daily diet since they contain many healthy nutrients. Mira Farms offer a large variety of good quality dry fruits along with dried apricots & berries to add more to your healthy diet.
Lentils
Lentils are abundant in fiber, magnesium, and potassium. They usually take a long time to cook. However, you can find lentils healthy snacks Dubai or just sprout the seeds to make a delightful, healthy, ready-to-eat snack.
Fruits and veggies
Fruits, vegetables, and berries are simple to add to one's diet. The following are a few of the healthiest options:
Broccoli
Broccoli is high in fiber, calcium, potassium, folate, and phytonutrients, among other things. Phytonutrients are plant-based substances that lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some malignancies.
Apples
Apples are high in antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals which are harmful chemicals produced by the body. They cause unwanted changes in the body and may play a role in chronic diseases and the aging process.
Kale
Kale is a lush green vegetable that contains a variety of nutrients. This nutrient-dense plant, for example, is a good source of vitamins C and K. You can buy healthy snacks Dubai that contain kale as well.
Blueberries
Blueberries have high fiber content, along with antioxidants and phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are not necessary for living. However, they greatly aid in the prevention of disease and the maintenance of vital biological functions.
Avocados
Avocados have a high-fat content, which makes some individuals shun them. Avocados, on the other hand, are high in healthy fats, as well as B vitamins, vitamin K, and vitamin E. Avocados are high in fiber as well & come in many healthy snacks Dubai.
Vegetables with lots of leaves
A rat study published in 2019 found that eating leafy greens for six weeks reduced cardiovascular risk significantly.
Spinach is a leafy green that is high in antioxidants, especially when eaten fresh, steamed, or mildly boiled.