Exploring Heart Health in the UAE

As we all head off to our vacation destinations during the summer, this year Dubai has surely been a popular one. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its modern cities, breathtaking architecture, and a lifestyle that blends tradition with innovation. Dubai, in particular, has transformed into a global hub for business, tourism, and luxury. However, as the pace of life quickens, and modernization takes hold. I, personally, just took a trip to the UAE to explore information about the heart specifically in Arab populations by meeting several doctors, cardiologists, and taking polls. Now, what are these factors that influence the heart health of people in Dubai?

Even though heart disease is prevalent in 30% of the UAE’s population, this number is still lower than that of the Americas or Europe, now you might be wondering, why? While tourism has increased abundance of fast-food chains and eating out culture accounting for the higher numbers of heart disease, the local Emirati population has foods, drinks, and spices incorporated in their daily habits and diets that have numerous health benefits especially to the heart. 

To start off, Arab spices which are commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisines serve as overall health and heart benefiters. For example, Za'atar is a spice blend commonly used in Arab cuisine, typically consisting of thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and other herbs which have been associated with reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are factors that contribute to heart disease. 

Also, the way Arabs prepare their food plays a vital role as well. Grilling, steaming and broiling are popular cooking methods in the UAE, particularly for meats. These techniques are heart-healthy because lean cuts of meat are chosen, excess fat is trimmed, and marinades without added sugars or excessive amounts of sodium are used. These techniques retain the natural nutrients in the food and reduce the need for added oils or fats. As well as this, the steaming of vegetables and seafood can help preserve their beneficial nutrients and promote heart health.

Dates are a popular and widely consumed fruit that holds cultural significance and are part of Arabs’ daily life. Dates are rich in various nutrients like dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants, all of which help regulate blood pressure and support heart function, and aid in managing cholesterol levels. Also, dates are a naturally sweet fruit and can be used as a healthier alternative to refined sugars which reduces the intake of added sugars as they can satisfy a sweet tooth while providing additional nutritional benefits.

Moreover, Arabic tea, also known as Middle Eastern tea, is a popular beverage in many Arab countries, including the UAE which offers numerous health benefits. Arabs drink this tea on a daily basis as a part of their routines which is typically made from black tea leaves which contains antioxidants that have been associated with reducing inflammation, improving blood vessel function, and decreasing the risk of heart disease. 

While Dubai's vibrant lifestyle and rapid development offer numerous benefits, it's crucial to recognize the potential impact on heart health. Overall, taking a look at healthy eating and cooking habits which are part of Arabic daily meals allows for the cardiovascular well-being of the population. By adopting a proactive approach to heart health, both individuals and the community work together to promote a healthier and more balanced way of life in the UAE.