UNS — Breaking fasting with fresh, sweet, and oily foods and beverages like ice, kolak, and fried foods, served distinct enjoyment for someone who has fasting for a day. However, behind its joy, health risk hides behind certain foods and beverages. Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta Hospital (UNS Hospital) Nutritionist Banun Ma’rifah Fathsidni, S. Gz, shared the healthy and unhealthy snacks for breakfasting with uns.ac.id, Tuesday (13/4/2021).
Banun Ma’rifah Fathsidni, S. Gz said that Muslims are suggested to improve the nutritional values of foods and beverages in their iftar menus. After 14 hours of fasting, the human body did not get appropriate nutrition, increasing hypoglycemic risk. “That’s why during iftar, we are suggested to consume sweet foods and drink enough water. But consumption of sweet foods and beverages should not exceed the limit,” Banun Ma’rifah Fathsidni, S. Gz., said.
She explained that sweet foods and beverages are easier to be absorbed as a source of energy. But in the long term, simple sugar compounds from sugar, syrup, and sweetened condensed milk might increase blood sugar and increased the risk of diabetes. Following the suggestion from the Ministry of Health, daily consumption for sugar is four tablespoons, salt is one teaspoon, and fat is five tablespoons. High sugar concentration in kolak, es buah, and other iftar menus are not suggested to be consumed in a long-term and large portion.
Banun Ma’rifah Fathsidni, S. Gz suggested that people avoid fried snacks in iftar because it has a high-fat concentration from frying oil and flour. A high concentration of fat increases the risk of increasing blood cholesterol levels. “Limit the intake of fried food and other foods with saturated fat,” Banun Ma’rifah Fathsidni, S. Gz., said.
Additionally, bakso bakar, siomay, and batagor should not be consumed excessively due to their salts and additive substance. High consumption of salt increases the risk of hypertension and electrolyte balance disorders of the body. It is okay to consume these foods as long as it is not in a high frequency or excessive number.
Banun Ma’rifah Fathsidni, S. Gz suggested people drink more water during iftar to stay fresh and healthy and avoid dehydration. Foods from fruits and complex carbohydrates, such as fruit juice, pudding, jelly, smoothies, yogurt, homemade biscuits from wheat, seeds, and fruit, are also suggested to be consumed during iftar,
“Or with other energy sources food, such as fruits, foods from fruits, or snacks with low sugar or additional sweeteners such as pastries, crackers, or whole wheat bread,” she explained. Humas UNS
Reporter: Yefta Christopherus AS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti