UAE-based nutritionists urge Muslims planning to fast to begin incorporating healthy habits before Ramadan to avoid complications.
Nutritionists in the United Arab Emirates say Muslims should begin practicing healthy habits ahead of Ramadan to avoid weight gain or health complications during the holy month.
Ramadan-friendly diets
Clinical Dietitian Juliot Vinolia, of Medeor Hospital in Dubai, told Al Arabiya English that Ramadan is the “best time of the year to revive and rejuvenate your mind and body,” adding that Muslims fasting should consider incorporating fiber and nutrient-rich foods in their diet this Ramadan.
“Fasting helps our body to reboot and delete toxins even at a cellular level. The blood vessels and gut get cleared off unhealthy fats and cancer-causing chemicals which we accumulated while consuming super processed foods,” she said.
“Fasting is a double-edged sword when combined with the right foods it can cut out the disease-causing genetic material. The body absorbs in the most at the mental and gut level during fasting.”
Vinolia added that unique hormones and enzymes are produced only during a healthy fast. In order to get the best of these enzymes, people must have a nutritionally adequate diet, including more plant-based, home-cooked fresh meals which are healthy, cost-effective and also climate friendly.
Echoing her sentiment, Clinical Dietitian Davie Telan at the Salma Rehabilitation Hospital in Abu Dhabi told Al Arabiya English that people should aim to include fiber in their meals in order to “feel fuller and extend satiety for longer periods of time.”
“Make sure to have a complete meal that includes fruits, vegetables, starchy foods, dairy foods, protein-rich foods and natural fats. A complete meal will help control your appetite and even boost your immune system. Remember that quality, not quantity, of your meals during Suhoor and Iftar is what matters.”
She encouraged people to incorporate fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and legumes into their diets during the holy month to ensure an appropriate intake of necessary vitamins and minerals.
Read More: Al Arabia