Breaking the Fast with Sweet Foods: Myth or Fact?

The month of Ramadan is a blessed month where Muslims around the world fast from dawn until dusk. When it's time to break their fast, Muslims seek out foods that are suitable to restore their energy after a day of fasting. One of the foods commonly chosen to break the fast is sweet foods. But is it true that sweet foods can make someone feel full faster, or is it just a myth?

Sweet foods are indeed a favorite for many people to break their fast. Common sweet foods consumed during this time include dates, fruit ice, sweet soups, rice pudding, and others. However, is it true that sweet foods can make someone feel full faster?

Actually, this is a myth that has no scientific basis. Most sweet foods contain simple sugars that can be quickly absorbed by the body, so they do not provide a long-lasting feeling of fullness. Conversely, foods that contain fiber, protein, and fat tend to provide a longer feeling of fullness.

However, this does not mean that you cannot consume sweet foods when breaking your fast. As a quick source of energy, sweet foods can help the body recover quickly after fasting. Dates, for example, contain glucose and fructose that can help the body to quickly recover its energy. Additionally, sweet foods can also provide a sense of happiness and improve one's mood after a day of fasting.

But it is important to remember that sweet foods also contain high calories, so consume them in moderation to avoid health problems such as obesity or diabetes. Always pay attention to the portion and type of food consumed when breaking the fast to stay healthy and fit during Ramadan.

In conclusion, breaking the fast with sweet foods is not an effective way to make someone feel full. However, sweet foods can still be consumed wisely as a quick source of energy and to improve mood after fasting. Consume them in moderation and always pay attention to your health during Ramadan.

In addition, it is also important to note that consuming sweet foods when breaking the fast cannot replace the necessary nutrient intake required by the body. The body requires a balanced nutrition from various types of food to function optimally. Therefore, make sure to consume balanced and nutritious food during the pre-dawn meal (sahur) and when breaking the fast.

Apart from myths about sweet foods when breaking the fast, there are still many other myths that exist in Ramadan fasting traditions. For example, the myth that spicy foods can eliminate thirst or the myth that consuming cold drinks can make the body sick. Most of these myths have no scientific basis and are based only on beliefs and traditions that have developed in society.

Therefore, it is important for us to understand what is a myth and what is a fact supported by science. As Muslims, we must take a balanced and wise approach in choosing the types of food and drinks during Ramadan fasting. Always pay attention to the body's nutrient needs, consume them in appropriate portions, and do not forget to maintain health and fitness during this holy month.

In the end, Ramadan fasting is not just about refraining from hunger and thirst, but also about cleansing the soul and improving the quality of life. Therefore, in addition to paying attention to the types of food consumed, let us also increase our religious practices and give charity to others during this holy month. May we all attain blessings and mercy from Allah SWT during Ramadan and always be protected from all kinds of diseases and disasters. Ameen.