Why Muslims Break Their Fast with Dates: Health Benefits During Ramadan

During the month of Ramadan, millions of Muslims in Pakistan and around the world will do almost the same thing at sunset: they will break their fast with dates.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset.

According to Islamic traditions, the use of dates to break the fast was recommended by the Prophet of Islam, and dates are also mentioned in several places in the Qur’an, the holy book of Muslims.

But what health benefits do dates have that make them an ideal food for those who fast?

Nutritional benefits




When you have not eaten for a long period of time, such as from sunrise to sunset, the nutritional composition of dates makes them an excellent food for the human stomach.

UK-based nutritionist Shehnaz Bashir says, “When you break your fast, your body immediately tries to produce glucose because it needs it as fuel.”

Dates contain a high amount of sugar, which raises blood sugar levels much faster compared to other foods.

Shehnaz Bashir further says, “Dates are unique in that they contain both simple sugars and complex carbohydrates.”

This means that this fruit continues to provide the body with a large amount of energy. It is ideal for a person who has not eaten for a long time. Dates are rich in vitamins A, K and B6 as well as iron, and help provide all essential nutrients to the body in a short time.

Preventing dehydration




Although dates are a dried fruit, they still prevent dehydration in the body.

They naturally contain the electrolyte potassium, which acts like a magnet for water and fills the body’s cells with water.

According to Shehnaz Bashir, “Many people break their fast with dates along with water. This is best for maintaining energy as well as keeping the body hydrated.

She further said, “After this, there is often no need to take additional electrolytes.”

Overeating




Some people lose weight during Ramadan, but if you overeat at the time of iftar, fasting can also cause weight gain.

Traditionally, some Muslims eat dates in an odd number (three, five, seven or nine) as soon as they break their fast and then immediately offer the Maghrib prayer, after which they return to eat food.

As soon as the human body begins to digest the fiber-rich dates, the desire to overeat may decrease and a person may eat in moderation.

Shehnaz Bashir says, “This (dates) gives your body a chance to understand that it has actually received some food and that the process of digestion has begun.

Digestion




Complaints of constipation and bloating become common among fasting Muslims. This is because on normal days eating and drinking continue throughout the day, so the intestines also keep moving, whereas during long fasts this process slows down.

Dates are an excellent source of fiber, which helps waste pass easily through the intestines.

The UK National Health Service recommends consuming 30 grams of fiber daily.

Shehnaz Bashir says, “Sometimes during Ramadan we crave simple carbohydrates, but if we cook with planning we can ensure the presence of fiber in it.”

Using dried fruits in food is an easy way to increase the amount of fiber.

If I do not like dates, what should I do?

Fasts during the month of Ramadan are observed on religious grounds. Apart from this, the trend of not eating for a long period for health reasons is also gaining popularity around the world.

According to Shehnaz Bashir, “It is almost exactly like how we fast during Ramadan.”

If you do not like dates, it does not matter; there are hundreds of varieties of dates available, try a few.

Shehnaz Bashir says, “All of them have different textures, some are chewy, some very soft, some have thick skin and some thin.”

She says, “Blend dates and milk together, add a little yogurt and dried fruits to it and use it. These are good foods that benefit the body in many ways.