The Dietary Fiber and Micronutrient Composition of Traditional Foods from Lebanon and Their Contribution to Dietary Adequacy: A Call for Action

Traditional Lebanese cuisine is based on traditional dishes, where Arabic sweets play an important role in daily consumption. This study focuses on the evaluation of total fibers and trace elements, especially vitamins A, D, E, and C of traditional foods and Arabic sweets commonly consumed in Lebanon by chemical analysis. A total of thirty types of Arabic sweets were chosen from reputable confectionery establishments, while thirty varieties of traditional Lebanese dishes were collected from central kitchens in the main Lebanese governorates. It was discovered that 23% percent of Arabic sweets and 30% of traditional dishes were rich in total dietary fiber. Moreover, Arabic sweets had trace amounts of vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C. In specific sweets, vitamin A content showed variability, with values ranging from 8ug to 15 ug per 100 g of edible portions. Most of the traditional dishes contained traces of vitamin C. However, Tabboula stood out as the only dish that contributed to over 23% of the recommended daily value for vitamin C. Trace amounts of vitamins A, D, E, and C were present in almost all traditional Lebanese foods and Arabic sweets. This study revealed that these foods lack essential micronutrients and total dietary fibers.