Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of the oldest known edible fruits that grow in the Mediterranean region, Southeast Asia, and Himalayas .Pomegranate is believed to have a high antioxidant activity because of its richness in active secondary metabolites such as phenolic acids, tannins and flavonoids, including anthocyanins, flavanols, and flavonols. Pomegranate molasses is a traditional condiment that can be obtained by boiling of pomegranate juice without the further addition of sugar or other additives. It is commonly used to improve the taste and aroma characteristics of salads and ...

Introduction: Food safety has been evolving tremendously in the past century and its importance in food industries is now very well established. However, with all the regulations, training, audits and inspections foodborne outbreaks continue to happen. Food safety climate has a great impact on food safety output of food companies. However, the organizational characteristics, food handlers’ behavior, knowledge and motivation of individual employees could also contribute to the food safety output. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the major factors contributing to the food ...

Background: Mediterranean diet (MD) is a traditional dietary pattern mainly followed in the Mediterranean regions and is shown to have positive health impacts, decreasing morbidity and mortality of major chronic diseases. A global shifting from the MD was documented especially in the Mediterranean regions, including Lebanon. Multiple individual and environmental factors were found to impact adherence to MD. In Lebanon, there is a shortage of recent information about adherence to the MD and its associated factors. Objective: The objectives of this study are to 1) evaluate the level of adherence ...

The pomegranate fruit is considered a functional food because of its bioactive compounds mainly phenolic compounds. Pomegranate molasses (PM) is a key ingredient in the Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine. The effects of accelerated shelf life testing (ASLT) on the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities (% DPPH scavenging activity, DPPH IC50, % Fe2+ chelating activity, and α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase IC50 antidiabetic inhibitory activity) of the Lebanese homemade PM have never been evaluated. Moreover, the effect of glutathione ...

Background: Diabetes is a major health disease reaching epidemic levels in the Middle East Regions. It is associated with many complications that have an adverse effect on patient’s quality of life. Nutrition therapy is essential, where dietary modification and improved dietary habits are important for its management and control. Objective: This study aimed to assess the adherence to dietary recommendations of adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) diagnosed since at least one year residing in north Lebanon and to explore factors associated with this adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional ...

Providing infants and young children with food that is highly nutritious is essential for their growth and development. It is also crucial to maintain high quality, safe meals that contain a great variety of ready-to-eat options which are both convenient for the parents and the baby. The purpose of this study is to learn the current demand in the Lebanese market on ready-to-eat baby food by interviewing a sample of 150 mothers or mothers-to-be living in Lebanon on baby food patterns. In addition, seven locally made and organic baby food prototypes will be manufactured using different recipes ...

Introduction: Eating Disorders (EDs) are mental illnesses that affect all individuals worldwide, causing severe complications. EDs can be divided into classical (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge-Eating Disorder), and non-classical (Pica, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, and Night Eating Syndrome). Several risk factors might lead to their development, in particular, stressful life events. The current COVID-19 pandemic is imposing psychological distress, mainly on individuals with existing mental health issues. To our knowledge, no studies have assessed the prevalence of ...