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Dubai start-up plans to expand to Saudi Arabia as it caters to growing consciousness about the need for a balanced diet

Generation Start-up: Dubai’s NutriCal makes restaurants count calories

The Vital Role of Therapeutic Diets in Healthcare Management

In the realm of managing health conditions especially in-patient, therapeutic diets stand as pivotal tools. These diets aren't just about eating healthy; they are meticulously structured to address specific health concerns and play a significant role in improving overall well-being. These diets must be nutritionally adequate and focused on every patient’s specific condition. That way these diets provide the essential ability to treat and mitigate health issues effectively.

From addressing renal problems to promoting heart health, therapeutic diets are instrumental in positively impacting various health conditions. They aren't one-size-fits-all solutions but rather personalized nutritional plans designed to meet specific health needs.

According to Dr. Elena Fenske, Naturopathic Doctor In Vancouver, BC,

“A therapeutic diet is a plan that controls the intake of certain foods or nutrients. It is usually a modification of a person’s regular diet, tailored to fit the nutrition needs, guided by a naturopathic doctor. A therapeutic nutrition diet can help with diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity and can potentially slow down the progress or prevent many other types of illnesses. “ 

As diet and health share an inseparable bond, what we consume directly affects our body's functions, impacting energy levels, organ health, and overall wellness. A well-balanced therapeutic diet can regulate blood sugar levels, manage blood pressure, and even reduce the risk of complications in chronic conditions.

Following a prescribed therapeutic diet under medical guidance is imperative. It ensures that the dietary changes are tailored to individual health needs, minimizing the risk of aggravating health conditions or nutrient imbalances. Medical supervision also enables adjustments as necessary, ensuring optimal health management.

There exists a spectrum of therapeutic diets, each tailored to address specific health concerns. Let's explore some prominent types:

Depending on whether or not the patient is undergoing dialysis, protein needs may increase due to losses during the process. Adjusting intake becomes crucial, necessitating individualized dietary management to maintain optimal health and kidney function. 

Focusing on heart health, a cardiac diet aims to reduce risk factors linked to cardiovascular diseases. Guidelines typically emphasize controlling cholesterol, saturated fat, sodium, and

overall caloric intake. Catering in line with heart-healthy principles involves offering dishes low in trans fats, using healthier cooking methods, and incorporating ample fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. 

Tailored for individuals with diabetes, this diet centers on managing blood sugar levels. It involves controlling carbohydrate intake, prioritizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Catering for diabetic individuals involves offering balanced meals with low glycemic index foods and avoiding excessive sugars and refined carbohydrates. 

Primarily used for managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), this diet restricts fermentable carbohydrates that cause digestive discomfort. Catering in this realm involves being mindful of ingredients that might trigger symptoms, focusing on low FODMAP options such as certain fruits, vegetables, and grains. 

Essential for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, this diet avoids gluten-containing foods like wheat, barley, and rye. Catering companies need to ensure menu items are entirely gluten-free and prevent cross-contamination. 

These specialized methods involve delivering nutrients directly to the digestive system (enteral) or intravenously (parenteral) for individuals who cannot eat conventionally. Catering may not directly apply here but understanding these nutritional needs is essential for healthcare facilities. 

These cater to individuals with swallowing difficulties, offering various textures like minced, pureed, or soft foods. Catering companies can create dishes aligned with these textures to aid safe swallowing. 

Tailored for weight loss or gain, these diets emphasize balanced nutrition to achieve specific health goals. Catering companies can offer portion-controlled meals with nutrient-dense ingredients to support these objectives. 

, GCC's only nutrition analysis software ensures two aspects to support catering companies, nutritionist, dietitians and other professionals in this field - a strong localized database covering regional items and covering essential verified micronutrient information that otherwise is not readily available. Our tool serves as an easy to use, reliable tool for patient menu planning.

Finally, it's important to note that while this guide offers insights into therapeutic diets, none of the data presented here should be construed as medical advice. When making decisions about nutrition or the quality of food served to patients in treatment, seeking validation and guidance from healthcare professionals or registered dietitians is imperative.

#TherapeuticDiets #HealthcareNutrition #DieteticsManagement #HospitalCatering #PrecisionNutrition #WellnessJourney #NutritionalTherapy #CulinaryMedicine #MedicalNutrition #HolisticHealthcare #HospitalFood #ClinicalNutrition #InpatientMeals

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Learn the role of therapeutic diets in healthcare, covering renal, cardiac, diabetic, and more. Discover how NutriCal aids with nutrition analysis and menu planning.

Fueling Recovery: The Vital Role of Therapeutic Diets in Healthcare Management

Food allergies used to be more of a problem in western countries, although this part of the world is seeing a rise in food allergies. Food establishments and businesses are recommended to be more cautious in serving food to customers who could potentially be allergic or intolerant.

Cow’s milk has been the most common allergy here followed by wheat (gluten) and eggs, there is a prevalence of tree nut allergy too amongst the population here, and sesame seeds as well.

Restaurant operators need to be cautious in this regard as Lebanese food contains the use of a lot of sesame seeds, Indian food contains tree nuts and dairy products, and Japanese food contains seafood and other shellfish. These are the most preferred cuisines amongst the UAE crowd.

Dubai Municipality, Food Safety Department published a Food Code document in 2020 highlighting the following allergy ingredients, compound ingredients, additives in any amount-

#foodallergy #foodallergies #dubairestaurants #foodsafety #foodlabelling

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Food allergies are rising in the UAE. Learn about common allergens and Dubai Municipality's food safety guidelines for restaurants.

Food Labelling Dubai (Allergies for Non-Packaged / Restaurant Food)

Everything you need to know about the calorie regulation for restaurants in Bahrain

Standalone restaurants, restaurant chains, cafes, food trucks, F&B groups, and restaurants at hotels now need to start prepping for getting their food menu calorie-counted.

Such initiatives have been taken into full effect by other GCC countries already such as KSA Calorie Regulation by Saudi Food & Drug Authority and soon by Dubai Municipality, UAE.

Bahrain is not being left behind. The idea was first floated by Muharraq Municipal Council in 2018. 

The proposed regulation is to display nutrition facts on physical menu cards, online menus, food delivery platforms and apps, websites, etc.

How can you ensure that you are displaying nutritional information accurately as a food business?

Let the team at NutriCal help you - NutriCal is a calorie calculator and nutritional analysis software including a team of business development, customer service, dietitians, and technology experts. 

We work with restaurants and groups of all formats and cuisines such as Indian, Japanese, Lebanese, Arabic, American etc to help ease this process.

By working with us, we will provide you with accurate nutritional labels in English and Arabic to share with your customers.

This initiative is led by Health Ministry’s Public Health Directorate nutrition section chief Dr Buthainal Ajlan and is part of a broader strategy to ensure people are well-informed to make healthier food choices.

Are you interested in allergy publishing too? 

Email us on info@nutrical.co or call / Whatsapp us on + 971 54 994 1190 for more information.

Source Link - https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/977691 

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Bahrain

Everything You Need To Know About The Calorie Regulation For Restaurants In Bahrain

In pressing times like these our health becomes of utmost importance. We at NutriCal continue with our mission of helping consumers make the right food choices.

Here is a list of Healthy Restaurants around Dubai that serve clean food and nutritious foods.

Remember, eating healthy plays a huge role in not only maintaining your immunity and energy levels but also allows for a positive mood and mindset in these difficult times 😊

Restaurants, Cafe, - We are trying to help as many businesses as we can to help your customers with nutrition information and food transparency. 

With NutriCal Health & Nutrition Software, you can easily calculate calories, macronutrients and other nutrients of your food recipes based on the ingredients and serving sizes used. 

 or call / whatsapp us on + 971 52 994 1190 for more information.

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Dubai Restaurants Serving Healthy Immunity Building Foods

Dubai Municipality, under the visionary leadership of

"DM Food Elite" program during the prestigious Dubai International Food Safety Conference, 2023

. This visionary initiative underscores Dubai Municipality's relentless commitment to elevating culinary standards and fostering a culture of excellence within the city's vibrant dining scene.

The initiative, announced amidst great anticipation in 2023, aims to recognize and celebrate restaurants that epitomize unparalleled excellence in food safety, sustainability, and innovation. Aligning with the dynamic vision of Dubai Municipality, the program sets forth clear parameters:

Food Safety: Upholding the highest standards of safety and hygiene.

Sustainability: Championing environmental responsibility and reducing food wastage.

Innovation: Embracing digitalization and providing transparent nutritional information.

This illustrious program invites participation from three categories of dining establishments:

Again, restaurants aspiring to achieve the esteemed "DM Food Elite" title are encouraged to:

Dubai Municipality, renowned for its visionary initiatives, is all set to host the declaration of winners at the upcoming Dubai International Food Safety Conference 2024. This groundbreaking program not only showcases Dubai's dedication to culinary excellence but also encourages responsible and ethical practices across the industry.

The "DM Food Elite" program, spearheaded by Dubai Municipality, heralds a new era of culinary distinction, promising to elevate the city's dining landscape to unprecedented heights. With its unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and safety, Dubai Municipality stands as a beacon of inspiration for culinary establishments worldwide.

In total, the "DM Food Elite" program will crown nine winners, with three top-notch restaurants chosen from each of the three eligible categories: standalone restaurants, those within hotels, and those associated with fast-food chains.

Impact on Dubai's Demographic and Health:

The dynamic and diverse demographic of Dubai has fervently advocated for initiatives like the "DM Food Elite" program, aligning with the desires of a young, health-conscious population. This program is poised to significantly benefit residents and visitors alike by raising culinary standards, promoting healthier eating habits, and offering transparent nutritional information. Addressing concerns regarding high obesity rates, the program aims to contribute to curbing this health challenge by encouraging healthier dining choices and fostering greater awareness of nutritional values.

For restaurants aspiring to excel and seamlessly meet the program's criteria,

stands as to support. With a track record of assisting hundreds of food establishments in previous rating and calorie initiatives, NutriCal is well-equipped to support restaurants in their journey towards the "DM Food Elite" title. For guidance and assistance in meeting the program's requirements, establishments can confidently reach out to NutriCal for expert support.

This initiative not only uplifts culinary standards but also contributes to the broader societal goal of promoting healthier lifestyles, aligning perfectly with Dubai's commitment to wellness and innovation.

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Dubai Municipality's 'DM Food Elite' program recognizes top restaurants excelling in food safety, sustainability, and innovation. NutriCal supports restaurants with nutritional labeling and analysis for a chance to earn the prestigious title

Dubai Municipality Launches "DM Food Elite" Program

In our 'cooking with superfoods' blog series - below we cover information on:

High in fiber and a great source of protein. They are also full of minerals such as manganese, phosphorus etc.

Overnight Chia Seed Pudding, Chia in infused water and fresh juices, Chia as a topping for salads, bread and stir fry, Chia and mixed seed crackers

Where did Chia Seeds originate / where are Chia Seeds cultivated?

This superfood actually has it’s name derived from a Mayan word meaning “strength”. Chia seeds help promote weight loss, bone health, reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes as well as cancer. 

Calories in Flax Seeds per 100g - 534kcal

High in fiber and a great source of protein. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Flax seeds aren’t usually used as the main ingredients in most dishes - although there is plenty that can be done with them.

Flax and mixed seed bread & crackers, mix in smoothies, use while baking as a substitute for eggs, use as garnish for soups, salads and stir frys

Where did Flax Seeds originate / where are Flax Seeds cultivated?

Flax seed helps with hypertension, blood sugar / diabetes, inflammation and also is useful to calm hot flashes women experience during menopause

Spirulina is known for it’s high protein content - 60 to 70% of spirulina’s dry weight is basically protein. It contains essential amino acids that are the building blocks of protein. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium and potassium and B vitamins.

Can be mixed in water, smoothies, soups, juices and lemonade, can be added to pesto and guacamole, can be added to energy bars, truffles etc

Where did Spirulina originate / where is Spirulina cultivated?

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of spirulina help with chronic inflammation and help prevent the risk of cancer. It also helps regularise cholesterol i.e., reduce LDL or “bad cholesterol” and increase HDL or “good cholesterol” which usually links to heart health management too.

Maca is known for its high protein and Vitamin C content.

Almond butter, coffee, maca smoothie, Maca cacao energy bites or cookies, Maca Coconut Milk Latte, Maca Honey Cinnamon Overnight Oats, Maca Fruit Smoothie

Where did Maca originate / where is Maca cultivated?

Maca is popular for its benefits related to hormonal health as well as energy enhancing factors. The adaptogen helps females with their libido and fertility. 

Calories in Pink Pitaya per 100g - 500kcal

In terms of macros, carbs are found to be the highest in pink pitaya or dragon fruit. Pink pitaya is loaded with dietary fiber.

Pink pitaya smoothie bowl with frozen banana, nut milk and nut butters, add it too lattes, pink pitaya cookies and treats

Where did Pink Pitaya originate / where is Pink Pitaya cultivated?

Pink pitaya has benefits related to gut health and improving good bacteria balance, helps boost immunity, and also helps with hair, skin and nail health.

To learn more on nutritional benefits of ingredients and how to create recipes with them - 

 as well as call or whatsapp us at +971 54 994 1190.

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Discover the benefits of superfoods like chia seeds, flax seeds, spirulina, maca, and pink pitaya. Learn their nutrition, health benefits, origins, and easy ways to add them to your meals!

Cooking with Superfoods - Part 2

 - or oleifera - the storage of important nutrients and antinutrients. It is often called a drumstick tree or a miracle tree because of the health benefits and medicinal properties.

It has antifungal, antiviral, anti- depressant and anti-inflammatory properties. Great for people with diabetes, as it helps stabilize blood sugar levels since they have isothiocyanates in them. Also contains essential amino acids, Vitamin C, Potassium, Iron, Calcium, Proteins and other minerals.

It is a great source of iron, high in Fiber, 10 times more vitamin C compared to citrus fruits, also contains significantly higher calcium than milk, it also provides more iron compared to green leafy vegetables. It is considered to be a good remedy for malnutrition. 

- Drumstick Sambhar, Rasam, Moringa Superfood Smoothie, Moringa Matcha Latte, Add Moringa powder to pesto

Where did Moringa originate / where is Moringa cultivated?

The native tree is in India but also grows in Asia, South America and Africa.

 or curcuma longa, which belongs to the ginger family. It is an old indian spice with powerful and strong medicinal compounds called curcumin. It is a bioactive substance that fights inflammation at the molecular level.

Has major benefits for the body and brain. It has bioactive and natural anti-inflammatory compounds that help the body fight foreign invaders and it avoids brain disease. 

Turmeric contains more than 300 naturally occurring components including beta-carotene, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), calcium, flavonoids, fiber, iron, niacin, potassium, zinc and other nutrients. 

Turmeric Chicken Rice, Turmeric Fried Eggs with kale, Yogurt & bacon, Turmeric Oats with Cashews & Seeds, Grilled Pork-Chops with Pineapple-Turmeric Glaze, Turmeric Fish with Rice Noodles & Herbs.

Where did Turmeric originate / where is Turmeric cultivated?

Turmeric is part of India's culture. They used a culinary spice and have some religious concerns. But then years past, reached different countries because of proven benefits. 

It is called “superfruit” and ``superfood” considered as Nutrient-Dense. Loaded by antioxidants. Acai bowl benefits of course depend on what you’ve added in and topped your bowl with.

It improves heart health, increases fat burning, and slows down aging. If you are a gym goer, acai will help you to easily recover the energy you lost and reduce muscle breakdown. These are rich in polyphenols and other antioxidants that protect the brain and inhibit tumor growth. It has been implicated to have an anti-cancer effect, and has been linked with boosted brain function. 

Tropical Acai Bowl, Lime Zinger Acai Bowl and etchetera. 

Where did Acai originate / where is Acai cultivated?

In the 80's, it was legendary Brazilian Jiu Jitsu founder Carlos Gracie who likely popularized the acai bowl (frozen acai pulp blended with banana) in southern cities like Rio de Janeiro. Gracie established his own brand of diet called the Gracie Diet which sought to maximize the performance of his fighters. As years passed, many countries adopted and experimented with different toppings that made the bowls popular.

 It is considered an antioxidant powerhouse. These chemical compounds that you will find in matcha to be considered as the body defense agent.. It prevents aging and chronic disease. The more you have or consume, the more your body is equipped in fighting against infections and diseases. Matcha helps burn fat easily. 

It gives unparalleled nutrition. One serving of matcha tea is equivalent to 10 cups of regular brewed green tea. Drinking matcha is like ingesting the whole leaf and receiving 100% of the nutrients of the leaf. 

One serving of matcha green tea (½ tsp or 1 gr) contains 306mg of protein, 272mg of amino acids, and 50mg of lipids, amongst other nutrients. It also has minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and iron.

Matcha Latte, Matcha Cheesecake, Matcha Date Energy Ball

Where did Matcha originate / where is Matcha cultivated?

Matcha originated in Japan. This powder was commonly used at chinese chan monasteries. 

 - This is the result when Cacao seeds are naturally fermented and cold-pressed (separating out most of the fat, a.k.a Cacao Butter). It comes directly from the Cacao tree, whose fruits are colorful pods that are filled with large Cacao seeds. 

nutrient dense with antioxidant properties, contains magnesium, iron, potassium - helps keep one full and energised

Calories in Cacao Powder per 100g - 570kcal

Unlike many chocolate products, cacao nibs are naturally low in sugar. They're also a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Nutrients that help promote feelings of fullness. They're rich in many minerals, including iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, and copper.

Cacao Overnight Oats, Cacao Date Energy Balls, Muffins, Hot Chocolate, Coffee Cacao Energy Smoothie

Where did Cacao originate / where is Cacao cultivated?

The cacao tree is native Amazon basin. It was domesticated in Mexico, Central & South America

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Explore the health benefits, nutrition facts, and recipes for superfoods like Moringa, Turmeric, Acai, Matcha, and Cacao in our cooking with superfoods blog series. Learn how these nutrient-packed foods can boost your diet.

Cooking with Superfoods - Part 1

Food establishments in Saudi Arabia are looking to comply with menu calorie count requirements by Saudi FDA, there are a few segments for one to take initiative in. Does this apply to your food business?

If this applies to your food establishment 

There are a few methods and service providers that can help with making compliance happen, we have collated a list below.

A Food Lab is a physical location where food samples are taken for testing purposes as well as other services provided such as calorie counting, nutritional analysis and more.

There are other services/consultations in which Individuals/Companies that are certified in conducting nutrition analysis and related services.

NutriCal falls under the nutrition software category providing calorie counting, 

 via DIY software subscription, API integrations, or consulting services as well.

How do they work? How do I know they are accurate?

Food labs use food chemical, microbiological amongst other testing methods to acquire calorie count.

Other services/consultations typically use nutrition softwares, free databases and / or certified nutritionists.

NutriCal is powered by the USDA Database, and other international databases from India & other countries. NutriCal has created and continues to grow GCC’s first ingredient and food database.

Food lab’s price ranges from 200 to 600 SAR per recipe and depending on the provider it can take 10 working days or more.

Other services/consultations price range is from 60 to 80 SAR and it can take 7 working days or more.

With NutriCal, there is typically no lead as it is a DIY software allowing food establishments to get instant nutrition results and labels when they input the recipe into the system. Price-wise it turns out to be as low as 4.5 SAR with certain packages.

When food establishments comply with Food labs, one of its key benefits is that they offer long shelf life testing with each recipe/product.

Other services/consultations may offer nutritional labelings when food establishments send their recipes.

 such as Recipe, menu and brand management, Arabic & English Instant Printable & Digital Labels, 

 Menus and Integrations with other software's such as POS, Label Printers etc. 

For help, email us on info@nutrical.co or call / 

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Looking to comply with Saudi FDA's menu calorie count requirements? Compare food labs, consultations & NutriCal for cost, speed & accuracy.

Comparison Chart for Food Establishments Looking to Comply with Menu Calorie Count Requirements by Saudi FDA

The UAE has always been front of the line when it comes to making their population healthy and happy. In late 2019, UAE Cabinet approved a Nutrition Labelling Policy in regards to packaged foods to support this initiative.

In the future, food packages will have colour-coded packaging on the front of the package so that it is easy to decipher products - high or low in fat, in saturated fat, sugars and salt and make an informed choice.

This policy will only become mandatory by January 2022 and will apply to canned, solid, liquid foods but will not include meat, fish, fruits and vegetables from the fresh foods category.

Obesity, cholesterol, blood pressure have been pressing issues in the region therefore, this Nutrition Labelling Policy has been suggested with an objective of raising awareness about leading a healthy lifestyle.

ESMA will be taking the lead on the implementation of the same.

In the meantime, using NutriCal food manufacturers and brands are able to easily generate Nutrition Fact Labels in English and Arabic.

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