Chocolate Composition (wow..chocolateSSSSSSSS..my fav!!!!!)
The composition of cocoa and chocolate has been extensively studied. The fat in chocolate, which is primarily derived from cocoa, is comprised of two saturated fatty acids, palmitic and stearic acids, and the monounsaturated oleic acid, in addition to a small amount (less than 5%) of other fatty acids. Although consumption of saturated fats is thought to raise cholesterol, and thus raise the risk of heart disease, regular consumption of cocoa butter and chocolate has been repeatedly shown to not raise blood cholesterol. Further research has shown that this is probably due to the relatively high concentrations of stearic acid, which studies have shown to have a cholesterol-neutral effect, and oleic acid, which is known to have mild cholesterol-reducing effects. In addition to the fat and simple sugars present in chocolate, the cocoa component in chocolate is rich in a number of essential minerals, including magnesium, copper, potassium and manganese. Indeed, chocolate is thought to be one of the largest single contributors of copper to the diet in the United States.
Phytochemicals in Chocolate
In addition to the well-known and essential macro- and micronutrients present in chocolate, there are a number of phytochemicals in cocoa and chocolate that may have important health effects in humans. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring chemical compounds present in plant foods such as cocoa, and they are attracting a great deal of interest in the nutrition and medical research c
Monday, April 9, 2007
PoP AnD CaViTiEs In A CaN
People who drink 3 or more sugary sodas daily have 62% more dental decay, fillings and tooth loss!**
The average American drinks more than 53 gallons of carbonated soft drinks each year, more than any other beverage, including milk, beer, coffee or water.^
Mountain Dew-20 oz is the worst pop, it contains 19 tsps of sugar and 93 milligrams of caffeine.......nearly equivalent to adult dose of NoDoz.****
Pop is sweetened, acidic, often caffeinated carbonated drink. There is "regular" pop that is sweetened with different kinds of sweeteners and "diet" pop that is sweetened with artificial sweeteners. 45 gallons of pop is consumed per person/per year by the average American. Even adults are just as prone to decay even though they have fairly good enamel and well-calcified enamel.
Double trouble for teeth. It's not just sugar that's bad for teeth, but the acids included in many popular drinks are said to "eat" away enamel and make teeth more prone to . The pH of regular and diet pops ranges from 2.47-3.35. The PH in our mouth is normally about 6.2 to 7.0 slightly more acidic than water. At a PH of 5.2 to 5.5 or below the acid begins to dissolve the hard enamel of our teeth. Phosphoric and citric acids contribute to the acidity of pop. Below is a look at how some soda pops compare to water as well as to battery acid.
The average American today drinks over 600 servings of pop a year.***
| Product | Acid Low=BAD | Sugar per 12 oz |
| Pure Water | 7.00 (neutral) | 0.0 |
| Barq's | 4.61 | 10.7 tsp. |
| Diet Coke | 3.39 | 0.0 |
| Mountain Dew | 3.22 | 11.0 tsp. |
| Gatorade | 2.95 | 3.3 tsp |
| Coke Classic | 2.63 | 9.3 tsp. |
| Pepsi | 2.49 | 9.8 tsp. |
| Sprite | 3.42 | 9.0 |
| Diet 7-Up | 3.67 | 0.0 |
| Diet Dr. Pepper | 3.41 | 0.0 |
| Surge | 3.02 | 10.0 |
| Gatorade | 2.95 | 3.3 |
| Hawaiian Fruit Punch | 2.82 | 10.2 |
| Orange Minute Maid | 2.80 | 11.2 |
| Dr. Pepper | 2.92 | 9.5 |
| BATTERY ACID | 1.00 | 0.0 |
| Source: Minnesota Dental Association * | The threshold pH for enamel dissolution is 5.5. | |
Regular pop is potentially cavity causing due to its high sugar content. Diet pops do not contribute to cavities. However, the acid in regular and diet pop has the potential to contribute to enamel breakdown and when combined with sugar can contribute to rampant decay!
Regular pops provide between 150-180 calories per 12oz can. Current dietary recommendations for added simple sugar are 10% of total energy.
One can of regular pop per day contains the maximum recommended intake of sugar a day!
Excessive intake of regular pop can contribute to excessive calories leading to obesity and/or decrease intake of foods that have a high nutrient value leading to deficiencies.
The actual effects of pop on oral health are a direct result of: Quantity-rapid drinking of any quantity of regular pop, particularly with meals is unlikely to affect your risk toward cavities.
Soft Drinks In Schools
"Root beer appears to be the "safest" for health of dental enamel"***
Recommendations to reduce the affects of sugar and acid on your teeth:
 | Pop should be consumed at meals to limit your teeth's exposure to sugar and acid.
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| Limit regular pop to 1 can per day
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| Neither regular nor diet pop should replace nutrient dense foods or beverages.
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| Excessive intake of pop is detrimental to health.
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| Drink pop through straws to reduce the direct contact to the teeth. |
| Rinse your mouth with water after consuming pop. It is important to do this prior to brushing your teeth after you just drank a pop. Rinsing first will help to neutralize the acids. Brushing in a high acid environment will erode tooth enamel. |
| Select pop cans over re-sealable bottles. This limits the consumption of the pop to one sitting rather than sipping bottles and re-sealing them over a longer period of time. |
| Include bottled water and fruit juices in vending machines. |
| The use and the abuse of acidic drinks may damage dentin and increase the risk for dentin hypersensitivity. |
Drinking carbonated soft drinks regularly can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel surfaces.
Soft drinks, which contain sticky sugars that break down into acids, adhere easily to tooth surfaces.
| These acids can soften tooth substance and promote formation of plaque, which erodes the enamel.
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| Enamel breakdown leads to cavities.
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| If erosion spreads beneath the enamel into the dentin, pain and sensitivity may result |
| Which may result in root canal surgery.
|
Because saliva helps neutralize acids and wash your teeth clean, the worst time to drink soda pop, ironically, is when you are very thirsty or dehydrated due to low levels of saliva.
The larger the volume of intake, the more impact pop has on your teeth
"Diet sodas are part of the problem. Women especially like to drink them throughout the day and between meals because they have no calories, yet the higher frequency and volume is putting their teeth at risk."
Try to:
| Drink soda pop only with a full meal.
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| Be sure to brush and floss soon after drinking and/or eating.
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| Also, resolve to quench your thirst with water.
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| If you drink pop alone or between meals, chew sugarless gum afterward to increase your saliva flow. |
Soft Drink Cancer Link The consumption of fizzy drinks isn't just bad for your teeth, research suggests a link between the rise in the consumption of carbonated drinks and the rise in oesophageal cancer The numbers of those suffering from cancer of the oesophagus has risen by 66 percent in the UK over the past 30 years, whereas in countries like China and Japan, where not as many fizzy drinks are consumed, there has been no rise. Dr John Toy, Cancer Research UK's Medical Director, is more open to the research. He said, `The increase in incidence of oesophageal cancer in recent years in alarming and somewhat puzzling. `Reflux of the acidic gastric juices from the stomach into the oesophagus is a suspected culprit. `People who are obese are more prone to this reflux and they have an increased risk of cancer. Carbonated drinks cause burping and some reflux. These drinks are also acidic and will bathe the lining of the oesophagus as they are swallowed.
Kick Kidney Stones | |
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News Updates
Acidic Beverages Can Erode Exposed Root Surfaces, New Study Claims
Soda, apple juice and other acidic drinks can erode exposed root surfaces, according to research presented at the 2006 AmericanAssociation of Dental Research meeting in Orlando.
The new laboratory study, conducted by researchers from theUniversity of Iowa, evaluated the erosive potential of five acidic beverages on enamel and root surfaces of extracted tooth samples.For this evaluation, the extracted teeth were coated with fingernailpolish, and small "windows" (1 x 4 millimeters) of enamel or rootsurface were left exposed for microscopic analysis. The preparedtooth samples were submerged for 25 hours in one of five popular
beverages—Gatorade®, Red Bull®, Coke®, Diet Coke® or apple juice—and then sectioned into thin slices to measure the erosion depth.
Although the study did not replicate real-life exposure to softdrinks (due to the length of time of exposure), it did reporterosion to the root surfaces of the extracted tooth samples.Previous studies have found that acidic beverages can soften dentalhard tissues (enamel), and similar dental erosion (based on leveland extent of acidic exposure) would be expected for the thinner,more soluble root surfaces.
Dental erosion may be caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors(e.g., environment, diet, medications), and the erosive process isnot solely dependent on soft-drink consumption. While there is a growing body of evidence linking acidic food and drinks to dental erosion, biological modifying factors, such as low salivary flow, bulimia, acid reflux disease and other gastrointestinal conditions, can also affect tooth erosion. Saliva plays a protective role by diluting and neutralizing potentially erosive agents, especially the phosphoric and citric acids that contribute to the acidity of soda. In this way, saliva may serve as a natural defense to reduce exposure to the acids that can demineralize enamel and root surfaces.
Dentists are encouraged to monitor patients for observable tooth erosion and to educate parents, caregivers and children about the potential risks of prolonged acidic exposure to the dentition. Proper oral hygiene instruction should be offered to all patients for the promotion of good oral health. At-risk patients (e.g., individuals with bulimia, binge-eating disorders and related conditions) may require referral to physicians or appropriate health
professionals for assessment, treatment and counseling.
Sodas in Schools: A Sticky Situation
First, the health problems associated with soft drinks, sports beverages, and juice drinks extend far beyond the elementary school years. Obesity isn’t the only concern. Osteoporosis and tooth decay are also related to nutrient-poor food and beverage choices, so preventive strategies must extend throughout childhood and adolescence...to read more see:
Influence of drinking patterns of carbonated beverages on dental erosion
As a hard tissue dental disease, dental erosion has a multifactorial etiology. The majority of dental erosion that originates from extrinsic sources is the result of dietary intake, particularly acidic beverages. Several preventive means have been proposed to minimize the damage to the dentition, including a reduction in the consumption of causative beverages and the adoption of a specific method of drinking, utilizing a straw instead of a cup.
New Study Indicates That Popular Sports Beverages Cause More Irreversible Damage to Teeth Than Soda
While sports and energy drinks help athletes re-hydrate after a long workout, if consumed on a regular basis they can damage teeth. These beverages may cause irreversible damage to dental enamel, potentially resulting in severe tooth decay.
This study revealed that the enamel damage caused by non-cola and sports beverages was three to 11 times greater than cola-based drinks, with energy drinks and bottled lemonades causing the most harm to dental enamel.
The study continuously exposed enamel from cavity-free molars and premolars to a variety of popular sports beverages, including energy drinks, fitness water and sports drinks, as well as non-cola beverages such as lemonade and ice tea for a period of 14 days (336 hours). The exposure time was comparable to approximately 13 years of normal beverage consumption.
The study findings revealed that there was significant enamel damage associated with all beverages tested. Results, listed from greatest to least damage to dental enamel, include the following: lemonade, energy drinks, sports drinks, fitness water, ice tea and cola. Most cola-based drinks may contain one or more acids, commonly phosphoric and citric acids; however, sports beverages contain other additives and organic acids that can advance dental erosion. These organic acids are potentially very erosive to dental enamel because of their ability to breakdown calcium, which is needed to strengthen teeth and prevent gum disease.
We encourage you to try altering or limiting the intake of soda and sports drinks and choosing water or low fat milk instead, to preserve tooth enamel and ultimately protect teeth from decay.
A high percentage of people consume soft drinks that contain sugar or artificial sweeteners, flavorings, and various additives. The popularity of sports (energy) drinks is growing and this pilot study compares enamel dissolution in these and a variety of other beverages. Enamel blocks (approximately 7.0 x 5.0 x 2.5 mm) were
sectioned from sound extracted human premolars and molars, measured, weighed, and immersed in the selected beverages for a total of 14 days. The pH of all beverages was measured. The enamel sections were weighed at regular intervals throughout the immersion period with the solutions being changed daily; all studies were performed induplicate. The data were subjected to one-way ANOVA with post hoc Scheffe testing.
Enamel dissolution occurred in all the tested beverages, with far greater attack occurring in flavored and energy (sports) drinks than previously noted for water and cola drinks. No correlation was found between enamel dissolution and beverage pH. Non-cola drinks, commercial lemonades, and energy/sports drinks showed the most aggressive dissolution effect on dental enamel. Reduced residence times of beverages in the mouth by salivary clearance or rinsing would appear to be beneficial.
Sports Beverages Cause More Irreversible Damage to Teeth Than Soda
New Study Indicates That Popular Sports Beverages Cause More Irreversible Damage to Teeth Than Soda
While sports and energy drinks help athletes re-hydrate after a long workout, if consumed on a regular
basis they can damage teeth. These beverages may cause irreversible damage to dental enamel, potentially resulting in severe tooth decay according to a study reported in the January/February issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry.
This study revealed that the enamel damage caused by non-cola and sports beverages was three to 11 times greater than cola-based drinks, with energy drinks and bottled lemonades causing the most
harm to dental enamel. A previous study in the July/August issue of General Dentistry demonstrated that non-cola and canned iced teas can more aggressively harm dental enamel than cola.
The study continuously exposed enamel from cavity-free molars and premolars to a variety of popular sports beverages, including energy drinks, fitness water and sports drinks, as well as non-cola beverages such as lemonade and ice tea for a period of 14 days (336 hours). The exposure time was comparable to approximately 13 years of normal beverage consumption.
The study findings revealed that there was significant enamel damage associated with all beverages tested. Results, listed from greatest to least damage to dental enamel, include the following: lemonade, energy drinks, sports drinks, fitness water, ice tea and cola. Most cola-based drinks may contain one or more acids, commonly phosphoric and citric acids; however, sports beverages contain other additives and organic acids that can advance dental erosion. These organic acids are potentially very erosive to dental enamel because of their ability to breakdown calcium, which is needed to strengthen teeth and
prevent gum disease. It is recommend altering or limiting the intake of soda and sports drinks and choosing water or low fat milk instead, to preserve tooth enamel and ultimately protect teeth from decay.
Effects of soft drinks and tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste on the wear
A study of the combined effects of soft drinks and tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste on the wear of dentine.
The aim of this study was to measure loss of dentine produced by soft drinks alone and combined with tooth brushing with and without toothpastes. Groups of flat human dentine specimens were exposed for 10 min and then 30 min to orange juice (OJ), carbonated cola (CC) or modified blackcurrant (MB) drinks alone or after the exposures brushed with a fluoride toothpaste for 10 s. Further groups were exposed to OJ as before but brushed with water or non-fluoride toothpaste or placed in slurries of fluoride paste. OJ and CC produced similar erosion and significantly more than MB. Compared with drinks alone, dentine loss was reduced by fluoride toothpaste brushing but increased by water and non-fluoride toothpaste brushing. Fluoride toothpaste slurry had no significant effect on soft drink erosion. It is concluded that fluoride toothpaste could provide protection, albeit
small, against erosion. The data again support the concept of brushing before meals.
Impact of modified acidic soft drinks on enamel erosion
From each of 144 bovine incisors one enamel sample was prepared. Labial surfaces of the samples were ground flat, polished and covered with adhesive tape, leaving an exposed area. The samples were distributed among four groups for treatment with A: Coca-Cola, B: Sprite; C: Sprite light, D: orange juice. Either 1.0 mmol l1 calcium (Ca) or a combination (comb.) of 0.5 mmol l1 calcium plus 0.5 mmol l1 phosphate plus 0.031 mmol l1 fluoride was added to
the beverages. Samples of each group were subdivided into three subgroups (-original; -Ca and -comb.) for treatment with original and modified drinks. Surface loss of the specimens was determined using profilometry after test procedure.In all subgroups, loss of enamel was observed. The enamel loss recorded for the samples rinsed with original Sprite and original orange juice was significantly higher compared with all
other solutions Modification of the test soft drinks with low concentrations of calcium or a combination of calcium, phosphate and fluoride may exert a significant protective potential with respect to dental erosion.
Dark soda better for teeth
11/10/04-Dark soda better for teeth (AGD News) According to J. Anthony von Fraunhofer, MSc, PhD, of the University of Maryland Baltimore Dental School, light colored soda and canned ice teas are worse for the teeth than its darker colored competitors. According to his study, non-cola soft drinks caused two to five times
the damage to tooth enamel as darker drinks. Dr. von Fraunhofer believes the cause is the citric acid content in the beverages that can leave heavy drinkers at greater risk for cavities and decay. The average person in the U.S. drinks about 16 ounces of soft drinks daily, according to Dr. von Fraunhofer. The study appeared in the
July/August issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry.
Soda Attack
Sugar and acidity can be lethal to teeth!
Sweetened drinks harm the protective enamel around teeth. Over time, exposing dental enamel to carbonated beverages weakens and permanently destroys enamel. This new study found that non-colas and canned iced tea were especially harmful. They contain flavor additives, such as malic, tartaric and other organic acids which are more aggressive at eroding teeth.
Root beer, contains the least amount of flavor additives was found to the the "safest soft drink to safeguard dental enamel".
In 1977 12-19 year olds consumed 16 oz of soda a day
1996 12-19 year olds consumed 28 oz a day
In 1970 22.2 gallons of cola per person per year consumed by Americans.
In 1996 44 gallons of cola per person per year consumed by Americans.
In 1999 56 gallons of cola per person per year consumed by Americans.
Soda consumed at meal times is less injurious than when consumed alone and continuous sipping is more harmful than the whole drink taken at one time. Drinking soda thorough a straw may help reduce the amount of soda that comes into direct contact with your teeth. Also rinse your mouth out with water after drinking and use toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Soft drink and bones ----------------------------------- Carbonated soft drink intake is linked with lower bone mineral density in adolescent girls, . There was found a significant inverse relationship between total carbonated soft drink intake and bone density for girls only. This association was confined to non-cola and diet drinks.
The link between consumption of soft drinks - particularly sweetened soft drinks - and dental caries is well established 1.
Nutritionists have also raised concerns that excess soft drink intake could displace milk and contribute to calcium deficiency, and that the `empty calorie’ sugar in soft drinks is a factor in the rapidly worsening problem of overweight and obesity in our children 2.
Other potential problems related to specific constituents of soft drinks include the calcium leaching effect of phosphoric acid 3 and the impact of excess caffeine in cola drinks (e.g. in possibly contributing to raised blood pressure) 4 .
A recent paper has proposed that high fructose corn syrup (used to sweeten most soft drinks) has specific metabolic consequences that favored obesity 5, whilst other evidence shows soft drinks can cause sharp insulin responses 6.
One thing of which there is no doubt is that soft drink intake amongst children is increasing. Recent US estimates, for example, are that consumption doubled over the last two decades and now adds 188 kcal/day to the energy intake of children who drink them 7, 8.
Whatever the current status of research on the precise health effects of soft drink consumption, we are in the midst of an obesity epidemic amongst children. It is hard to reasonably deny the need to take steps in schools to make healthy, nutrient-dense foods more available and `empty calories’, including both high fat snacks and sugary soft drinks, less easily available 17.
Soda Facts
Help patients understand these alarming soda facts!
| Soda is the primary source of sugar in the American diet. |
| A 12-oz. can of regular soda contains 40 grams of sugar, which provides about 160 calories but little nutritional value. |
| Larger servings, e.g. 64 oz. “Big Cup” adds calories and more damage |
| An estimated 20% of 1-and 2-year olds consume about a cup a day of soft drinks. |
| Teens drink three times more soda than 20 years ago, often replacing milk. |
| Diet sodas actually have more acid in them than regular soda, leading to enamel erosion. |
| “Sports drinks” are no safer when it comes to tooth erosion. |
RaMaDhAn AnD HeAlThY EaTiNg
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| The typical Ramadan table is known to be over-extravagant. |
We have experienced much this year both
personally and globally.
Someone kicks, but we are unable to see who it is. We can only see the consequences of that kick, and in a dazed state we tend to lose the language to properly express what is actually happening. Emotions build up and affect our judgement and care for our own selves, and we either tend to try to forget or we become stronger in acknowledgement of the value of what we are already blessed with.
Ramadan offers us an opportunity to care for ourselves and our life’s transaction with God. “Certainly the creation of the heavens and the earth is greater than the creation of the men, but mostly people do not know” (40:57).
Choose What You Eat
We tend to get into bad eating habits throughout the year, as the momentum of the day becomes a week, a month and finally the year has ended. Some may even shop for convenience foods because it offers less time in the kitchen. So whilst we are improving our economic situation and busy doing everything else, our health deteriorates but not always visibly. What we go through emotionally and psychologically also manifests in our deeds and in the way we eat and what we eat.
Referring to genetically modified foods, Muzammal Hussain argues that it is clear that genetic engineering is a process that we do not understand in a world where everything is interconnected (Hussain p.5). What affects one species affects another for better or for worse.
“The sun and the moon follow a reckoning. And the herbs and the trees do adore (Him). And the heaven, He raised it high, and He made the balance, that you may not be inordinate in respect of the measure. And keep up the balance with equity and do not make the measure deficient” (Rahman 55:5-9).
Fasting and Spiritual Equilibrium
Dr. Omar Hassan Kasule tells us that, “the definition of disease considers several dimensions that may operate singly or in combination: moral/spiritual, biological/pathological, psycho-social, or normative/statistical. Loss of spiritual equilibrium is a disease in itself and soon leads to physical disease. Most diseases involve disturbances in the equilibrium of the normal body physiology. These biological disturbances may be within the range of normal physiological variation or may be clearly pathological. The psycho-social dimension of disease is associated with loss of equilibrium and may precede or follow physical disturbances (Kasule p.3).” Fasting is done with one’s complete will, encouraging the entire physiological, psychological and spiritual systems to work together.
As we try to get rid of the emotional build-up gained throughout the year, our bodies will also want to get rid of the toxic waste that it has been unable to eliminate. Fasting allows the digestive tract to take a rest, and mobilizes the detoxification mechanism by facilitating the release of hormones that stimulate the immune system. Fasting also releases the insecticides and man-made chemicals that have become stored in our body fat.
So instead of looking to those finely packaged goods in the supermarket, try frequenting the grocers that sell food more readily ascertained to be as nature intended it to be.
The Incorrect Approach
Food intake should not be excessive rendering the onslaught of sleep soon after consumption therefore preventing us from our duties to ourselves, each other and God.
Incorrect eating can cause:-
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Indigestion – caused by excessive eating, fried, fatty and spicy foods as well as carbonated drinks.
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Constipation – caused by eating too many processed foods and not enough fiber or water consumption. Fiber rich foods include most cereal grains, fruits and vegetables.
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Lethargy – due to low blood pressure which can be caused by a sudden excessive consumption of heavy starchy and fatty foods.
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Headache – caused by lack of sleep and being overly physically active.
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Muscle cramps – due to an inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium. Foods rich in calcium include broccoli, kidney beans, okra, parsnips, almonds, raisins, sesame seeds and dairy products. Magnesium rich foods include: bran, brown rice, cornmeal, cheese, egg yolk, bananas, apples, dates, almonds, carrots, eggplant (aubergines) and cauliflower. Potassium rich foods include: cheese, apples, cantaloupe, apricots, pineapple, chicken, peanuts (groundnuts), cod, beet, cabbage, cucumber and green peppers (Haffejee p.1).
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Lack of sleep – Adequate sleep is necessary to ensure balance the next day especially for those who go to work or a place of study. Lack of sleep can express itself in the form of nervousness, bad headaches and digestive problems. Sleeping after a meal also causes problems with digestion. The final meal should be taken at least 1 – 1½ hours before the night-time sleep.
Break Your Fast the Healthy Way
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| Dates are an important part of the Ramadan break-fast. |
All the good from fasting can be undone by the sudden intake of food. Not only this, but the body’s natural healing mechanisms are deprived of the benefits that fasting delivers. It is noted that healthy Ramadan practices result in the reduction of cholesterol levels and skin conditions are much improved (al- Qalam p.9). At the same time Iftar (the first meal taken to break the fast) is the Ramadan breakfast and as we have always been told, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Our body is mostly water and the best source of fluid replacement is pure unadulterated water. The sunnah (prophetic tradition) of dates and water make a wonderful combination to gently break the fast without placing the body into a state of shock i.e. a sudden drop in blood pressure. Dried dates contain sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, sulfur, manganese, silicon and chlorine. Potassium, vital to the prevention of dehydration, is also plentiful in dates. Fresh dates in addition contain thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, ascorbic acid and beta carotene.
In some schools of fiqh it is preferable to do the Maghrib prayer (prayer done at sunset) before commencing the main meal. “O children of Adam! Attend to your embellishments at every time of prayer, and eat and drink and be not extravagant; surely He does not love the extravagant” ( Araf 7: 31). This also proves to be functional in terms of giving your body time to digest what it needs from the sunnah of dates and water before eating some more.
The key word here is fiber, as fiber is slow digesting as opposed to fast burning foods like processed and sugar-based foods. In Yemen a typical iftar (main meal following the fast) includes a soup of boiled oats, milk and sugar followed by shafoot (pancakes broken in yoghurt with some spices and herbs) and samboosa (minced meat and herbs in a pastry envelope). A balanced combination of fiber, protein, dairy, cereal, minerals (herbs) and carbohydrates (Shabeebi p. 1).
After the Break-Fast
The time between meals should be spaced out allowing for proper digestion. Ibn Sina (otherwise known as Avicenna to the Western world) warned never to take one meal until the previous meal was digested. Whatever was lacking nutritionally in the previous meal should be compensated for in the next meal. Many recipes exist online that can conjure up ideas.
Be careful with relaxation, for what one does can upset the balance of what has been achieved. A bad habit that has developed in the Middle East is a craving for shisha smoking (water pipe). In Bahrain, 17 – 21% of Bahraini women indulge in this habit. Some people assume that it is healthier than smoking cigarettes, but in reality it can cause throat and lip cancer as well as cause the build-up of poisonous gases within the stomach. This can lead to heart disease and brain stroke (Bahrain p.1).
Suhoor (the final meal before dawn) is a mercy for those who need that extra meal. It usually consists of a milk-based food which is slow-digesting. Most importantly is fluid intake throughout Ramadan that will ensure proper functioning of the kidneys and adequate digestion. For those with diabetes, a kidney disease or those who suffer from low blood pressure, it is recommended to consult a physician about fasting before the Holy month begins.
ThE LoW-CaRb DiEt
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