Even though we may think of Lebanon as one of the most polluted and unhealthy places to live, Bloomberg's 2017 Healthiest Country Index paints a different picture.
Published last month, the index is resurfacing again and ranks Lebanon as the healthiest nation in the Arab world. Overall, Lebanon comes in at number 32 on a list of 163 countries.
The results of Bloomberg's index are based on variables including "life expectancy, causes of death and health risks ranging from high blood pressure and tobacco use to malnutrition and the availability of clean water," Gulf News reported.
Lebanon's ranking can be attributed to two main things: One is the Mediterranean diet that most Lebanese people enjoy and two, is the healthcare available in the country.
So, what do Lebanese eat?
The Lebanese mainly eat a Mediterranean diet consisting of a variety of vegetables, pulses and herbs. Similar to other countries in the Levant, their food also features an abundance of whole grains, starches, seafood, poultry and meat.
Olive oil is a star ingredient in the country, along with onions, garlic, thyme, mint and lemon juice. Even though many Lebanese dishes are meat based, most can be made vegetarian.
Lebanon also excels at healthcare
Other than the healthy cuisine, Lebanon also excels when it comes to medical care.
According to a 2013 data bank demo report, "there are 3.54 doctors per 1000 people," in the country, a figure considered "over double the regional average."
The data bank report also reveals that there are 163 Hospitals contracting with Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health, "84.66 percent" of which are private, and "15 percent" are public.
The country boasts 9 medical schools. About 350 physician graduates enter the Lebanese labor market each year, Gulf News reported.
Other Arab countries on the list:
Other Arab countries featured on the index include, Qatar which was the second healthiest among Arab countries at 36, followed by Bahrain at 40, then the UAE at 43 and Oman at 48.
Overall, Italy was ranked first, followed by Iceland, Switzerland, Singapore, Australia, Spain, Japan, Sweden and Luxembourg.