Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, who fast from dawn until sunset every day.
Fasting can have many health benefits, such as weight loss, better blood sugar control, and reduced inflammation. However, fasting can also present some challenges, such as dehydration, headaches, and fatigue. This is why it is important to eat well-balanced meals before and after fasting to maintain your health and energy levels.
One of the best foods you can have for iftar in Ramadan is soup.
Soup is a fluid-rich food that can help you stay hydrated throughout the day. It can also provide you with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals that can fuel your body and keep you feeling full. Here are some of the reasons why soup is a great option for iftar during Ramadan:
Soup can prevent dehydration: Dehydration is a common problem during Ramadan, especially when the weather is hot or humid.
Dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, and constipation. It can also affect your mood, concentration, and performance.
To prevent dehydration, you should drink plenty of water before and after fasting. However, water alone may not be enough to replace fluid loss. You also need to eat foods that contain water, such as fruits, vegetables, and soups¹. Soup can save you up to 85% of your water², helping you meet your water needs more easily than solid foods.
Soup can provide protein: Protein is an essential nutrient that helps build and repair muscles, organs, and tissues.
It also supports your immune system, hormone production and enzyme activity. Protein can also help you feel fuller for longer by slowing digestion and reducing hunger hormones.
Eating enough protein before fasting can help you preserve your muscle mass and prevent food cravings later in the day. Soup can be a good source of protein if you add ingredients like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or beans². You can also use milk or yogurt in place of the water or broth to increase the protein content of your soup.
Soups can provide fibre: Fiber is another important nutrient that helps regulate digestion and bowel movements. It also lowers your cholesterol levels.
Blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Fiber can also help you feel fuller for longer by adding bulk to your food and slowing digestion. Eating enough fiber before fasting can help prevent constipation.
Bloating and indigestion. Soups can be a good source of fiber if you add ingredients like whole grains,
lentil,
vegetables or fruits². You
Whole wheat flour or oats can also be used in place of white flour to thicken the texture
your soup.
- Soup
It can provide vitamins
and minerals:
vitamins
Minerals are essential nutrients that help support various functions
in your body,
such as energy production,
nerve transmission,
bone health
and immunity.
Take enough vitamins
minerals before fasting
can help you prevent deficiencies,
infections
and fatigue.
soup
It can be a good source of vitamins
and minerals if you add ingredients like tomatoes,
carrot,
spinach,
mushrooms or citrus².
You
Herbs can also be used
spices such as parsley,
Mint,
cumin or turmeric to enhance the flavour
and the nutritional value of your soup.
Soup is a versatile food that can be prepared in different ways depending on your preference.
culture
and availability
of ingredients.
You
can make it creamy,
chunky,
hot,
sweet
or sour.
You
Ingredients may also vary according to
for this season,
Like using fresh produce in summer
and dried fruits
Or nuts in the winter.
Some examples of healthy soups
You
You can try breakfast in Ramadan are:
- Lentil Soup: A classic Middle Eastern soup made with red lentils,
onion,
garlic,
carrot,
celery,
cumin,
lemonade,
It is rich in protein.
fiber,
Vitamin A,
Vitamin C,
and iron.
- Chicken Noodle Soup: A comforting soup made with chicken broth,
Chicken pieces,
the pasta,
carrot,
celery,
parsley,
black pepper,
It is rich in protein.
b vitamins,
zinc,
and selenium.
- Tomato Soup: A simple yet delicious soup made with tomatoes,
Onion,
garlic,
basil,
And generous.