Head of the Heliopolis Association Nabil Helmy announced the release of a number of films on proper nutrition during the holy month of Ramadan in an online broadcast via the Heliopolis Library’s official page on Facebook, starting on 7 April and running for a week.
These are a number of educational videos for the Ministry of Health and the Institute of Nutrition.
Helmy stressed that these videos aim to shed light on the most beneficial health and nutritional practices to be followed during the holy month of Ramadan, and to raise awareness among community members of the health benefits of fasting.
It also addresses the wrong nutritional practices prevalent during Ramadan, and how to divide the basic and useful meals for Iftar and Suhoor.
This comes in line with World Health Day, which falls on 7 April annually. Each year, it draws attention to a specific health topic of interest to people around the world. This day was chosen because it marks the establishing anniversary of the World Health Organization in 1948.
The celebration of World Health Day aims to create awareness of a specific health topic. So far, World Health Day has highlighted important health issues over the past 50 years, such as mental health, maternal and child care, and the health impact of climate change.
One of the most important nutrition tips during Ramadan is to drink plenty of water between Iftar and Suhoor. High temperatures can also make people sweat more, so it is important to drink fluids to replace what they lose during the day (at least 10 glasses). People can also increase water intake by eating hydrating foods. Try adding watermelon to your Suhoor meal or eat it as a sweet treat after Iftar. The traditional Arabic fattoush salad contains plenty of hydrating cucumber and tomato. Avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and cola, because caffeine can make some people urinate more often, which may lead to dehydration. Also remember that fizzy drinks with sugar will add calories to the person’s diet.
Also during Al suhoor, people should consume the right foods to last through the fasting hours. Suhoor should be a wholesome meal providing you with enough energy to last until Iftar. Eating complex carbohydrates, such as fruit and vegetables, beans, chickpeas and lentils, will provide the person with a long-lasting source of energy throughout the day. Including low fat dairy products, such as low fat labneh or laban, within the meal would be great, as well as eating healthy unsaturated fats like avocado, unsalted nuts, salmon, olives and olive oil.
Eating three dates to break your fast is a traditional and healthy way to begin Iftar. Dates are an excellent source of fiber. Incorporate plenty of vegetables to provide vital vitamins and nutrients. Grilled or baked lean meat, skinless chicken and fish, is a good option to get a good portion of healthy protein, as well as avoiding fried and processed foods high in fat or sugar.
