The Saudi Arabian Health Ministry has warned about the Tayyibat Diet after several people were admitted to intensive care when they suspended their insulin treatment in favour of this diet.
The Tayyibat Diet bans a wide range of foods, including chicken, eggs, legumes, most vegetables, dairy products and some types of fish, while encouraging the consumption of rice, potatoes, red meats, dates and certain types of cheese.
It argues that the banned foods are bad for you and that by following it, one can manage chronic ailments, despite no substantiated scientific evidence.
The diet spread on social media after many influencers advocated for it and gained some popularity in Arab circles, leading many to abandon their prescribed medication and rely solely on this diet.
The ministry's statement was made after rising concerns that many people, following the diet, were dismissing professional medical advice and prescriptions. The ministry warned that excluding these essential foods without legitimate medical reason could lead to a lack of key nutrients required to maintain normal bodily functions. It emphasised that people should not base their dietary choices on unsubstantiated claims.
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