The dietary benefits of Ramadan

Although the Atkins diet is the big trend now in Western countries and goes against the food pyramids, (having meat and dairy as the staple foods), the Asian and Mediterranean diet pyramids have stood the test of time. Eating in these parts of the world is often associated with religious practices or long-standing customs and has been well documented.

Abdur Rahman Mangera, a Muslim scholar in Santa Barbara, explains that "for early Muslims during the time of the prophet Mohammed in Arabia, it was a desert situation but we did learn that, aside from wheat and barley, they ate certain vegetables such as the gourd." He goes on to say that the prophet Mohammed "used to like shoulder of lamb and goat, and it states in some traditions he also ate chicken. He discouraged too much meat but some is good for the diet." They also ate dates and yoghurt. Abdur Rahman Mangera further explained that, around 150-200 years after the Prophet, many people were passing through Arabia and the Middle East, trading and such. And even later, because of pilgrimages to Mecca, a variety of foods and spices was introduced to that area.

In some parts of the Muslim world, all vegetables and fish are allowed. There is a difference of opinion when it comes to seafood, but the majority of scholars consider shellfish permissible and believe that anything from the sea is permissible

Further, studying dietary habits from centuries ago make clear that peoples from these parts of the world were not malnourished and had, in general, lower rates of the chronic diseases that are now prevalent in western populations. And it is well documented that the trend toward increased use of animal products and processed foods increase risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

So how does this diet tie in with Ramadan? During Ramadan many people eat only two daily meals with emphasis on soups, fruits, juices, dates and milk. It is possible to consume a normal caloric intake during Ramadan, but some people lose weight during the fast and gain it back again. Fasting is believed by many to be therapeutic, both for physical and religious reasons.

Abdur Raman briefly explained how fasting began. ``Before Ramada, fasting occurred at different days throughout the year (on the 10th of the month, the same time as the Jews fasted when Moses received his delivery from the Pharoah). They fasted for a number of reasons….

``As God says in the Quaran - just as it was prescribed for spiritual and physical reasons, to gain a feel of God and control over yourself….The point is not to lose weight, but to decrease your food during the month to overcome your desires from dawn to sunset. You are made to abstain and get control over yourself, it helps you overcome yourself in desires, to bring the soul back into control of the human being. Just because you can eat at night doesn't mean that you can stuff yourself. We are told to change our time of eating and sometimes decrease the amount of food. Some people gain, others lose. Some people will cook richer dishes during the month so it works both ways.``

Generally, in the first week you will lose weight from water loss and your blood sugar is low, but into the second week, your body will adjust; most people function better, feel better and heart function improved due to less stress from too much food and smoking.

When you fast all day, it's hard to digest meats; slow-cooked lentils and vegetables are easier on the digestive system and many people find this is what the body craves.
The Middle East and Asian diets are heavy on plant foods, providing at least 75% of average daily calories. A diet based on plant foods offers fewer calories from fat, and less cholesterol than a diet containing more animal foods. Also, legumes (such as lentils, beans and peas) is beneficial for those with diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Other healthy food practices of these parts of the world include high consumptions of complex carbohydrates staples such as bread, rice and bulgar, and plain yoghurt, fruits and vegetables.

A few pointers for fasting during Ramadan: listen to what your body tells you, choose foods that are low in fat and protein. Breaking a fast with hard-to-digest foods -- those at the top of the food pyramids such as meat and dairy products -- may result in vomiting and bloating. Eat slowly and drink lots of water.