Some healthy tips for iftaar meals

Islam aims to inculcate a sense of self-restraint among its followers through the holy month of Ramadan and has made fasting obligatory for the Muslims across the globe. 

Different culture people have varied eating choices. When it comes to iftaar meals; it ranges from refreshing drinks to delicious snacks and cuisines. 

Our Holy Prophet (S.A.W) preferred breaking the fast with dates, known to be one of the most wholesome meal. So, following the sunnah, it is highly recommended to eat dates at iftaar time. 

Eating meaty, flavour-rich dishes are expected to adversely affect human digestive system and results in weight gain. 

A few useful health tips to follow for iftaar meals are:

1. Never eat fruits and other meals together: Fruits are a healthy option to eat at iftaar but when taken with other nutrients like fats, protein and minerals may not support digestion much.

2. Cheese with dry fruits or meat is a bad combination: Nature has made the human body to digest only one concentrated protein at a time, so an overdose of protein rich foods is expected to complicate the digestive process.

3. Citrus foods and milk-consisting food items should not be consumed together: Acid present in citrus foods when combines with milk can hinder digestion due to the fact that protein and starch cannot be consumed together. 

4. Eating slow: Eating fast at iftaar time is not recommended because filling the empty stomach speedily will not support digestion instead lead to gastric issues. 

Fruits, yogurt, smoothies and refreshing drinks are the most recommended choices for iftaar meals. Consuming a small amount of healthy foods at iftaar before the main course will certainly support the digestive movements after a day long of empty stomach.