EATING right during Ramadan is the key to staying revitalised and energised while fasting.
Superfoods are a great way to help you achieve this balance and can be easily incorporated into sahur and iftar meals.
Here are some superfood ingredients that can turn simple Ramadan dishes into nutritious meals, courtesy of Middle Eastern food specialist Rouba Shahin.
Dates
Dates are a well-known and delicious fruit to break fast with. Numerous studies have also solidified dates as a superfood. With a good amount of natural sugar and full of fibre, there's no question why these bite-sized beauties are a Ramadan staple.
Dates also contain a long list of key vitamins and minerals like potassium (one date has more potassium than a whole banana), calcium, magnesium, iron, and fluorine among others. Dates are not only delicious on their own, but you can also enjoy them in salads, desserts or a smoothie.
Habbatus Sauda (Black Cumin)
Habbatus Sauda or black cumin seeds, has a plethora of benefits that strengthens the body's immune system and is often used as a natural remedy against a variety of ailments.
Habbatus Sauda has been studied extensively and is touted for its strong antioxidant properties, specifically thymoquinone, which combats free radicals (unstable molecules) in your body that could lead to negative health conditions.
In cooking, it is used in spice blends and seasonings to elevate the dish. Black cumin has a fragrant toasted onion flavour that is lovely in soups, spiced potato dishes and fish and vegetable dishes.
Figs
Yet another famous fruit from the Middle East, figs can be eaten fresh or dried, grilled or chilled and are great as toppings on salads or as an accompaniment to desserts.
This fruit's popularity has spanned centuries, just like dates and it's rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin B6 and potassium. Figs are not only low in fat, but also high in fibre to aid in digestive health. The consumption of figs has been shown to support healthy bacteria in the gut, acting as an aid for constipation and bloating.
Pomegranate
The pomegranate - also known to Muslims as the fruit of Jannah (paradise) refreshes the palate and is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and folic acid.
These gem-like seeds act as beautiful garnishes for several Middle Eastern dishes, such as dips, salads and mains. Plus, they're equally delicious on their own or with some yoghurt.
Grapes
Grapes are another sunnah fruit that has been mentioned in the Quran.
Grapes are high in vitamin C and potassium with an abundance of antioxidants. This fruit is excellent on its own and also great when tossed in a refreshing fruit salad.
Natural Honey
Honey is full of anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to neutralise harmful bacteria.
Other than drinking honey water (recommended with a twist of lemon), do try honey drizzled on grilled figs, spread on toast, or as a topping on some delicious Greek yoghurt and granola
Kiwi
These fuzzy little fruits can stand alongside other famous fruits as being a rich source of fibre, vitamin C and K, that highly surpasses that of bananas, apples, strawberries, and even oranges.
Kiwis are also said to improve sleep and bring about a better overall mood.
Olive Oil
Many people often complain of dull skin and breakouts during Ramadan due to the lack of hydration. While drinking sufficient water during non-fasting hours is essential, incorporating olives and olive oil into your diet will also work well.
Not only is it rich in antioxidants, fibre and vitamin E, olive oil is super versatile and can be drizzled onto almost any food to provide a beautiful freshness and glistening sheen to your dish to make it more appetising.
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