With limited options for Iftar at restaurants, Ramadan in a lockdown presents new challenges
The best foods to eat during Ramadan are the foods that will keep you hydrated throughout the day. The 2021 Ramadan happening in a pandemic and a lockdown will be a Ramadan like no other. Over 1 billion Muslims around the world, will be joined by about 1 million Canadians for the Ramadan holy month of fasting, prayer and reflection
Here are the best foods to eat during the Ramadan and hot weather to keep hydration levels up and provide a variety of nutrients. These 12 foods contain over 85% water, making them a great choice for a person’s hydration needs, when the body loses water and vital electrolyte.
1. Cucumber
At 96.73%, Cucumbers contain the highest water content and a great source of potassium. They also contain phosphorus, magnesium, and a small amount of calcium. It is the No1 food item for staying hydrated during the Ramadan
2. Lettuce
Iceberg lettuce has a 95.64% water content. Although this pale green, crunchy lettuce variety is not as nutrient dense as some of its leafy green counterparts, it still offers health benefits. It is low in carbohydrates and sugar but contains fiber, potassium and zinc. People may be surprised to learn that lettuce could also help in sleep.
3. Celery
Celery is next on the list of best foods for the Ramadan. This light green, crunchy vegetable is low in calories, protein, and carbohydrates but packs a punch with fiber. It also provides Vitamin A and K and potassium. In addition, celery makes a good snack. Popular serving ideas include spreading peanut butter or almond butter on the top. This gives it lots of extra protein.
4. Tomatoes
Your good old tomatoes has a water content of 94.52%, and is rich in fiber. It is therefore effective in keeping hydrated during the Ramadan. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, which helps prevent cells damage.
5. Romain lettuce
Romaine lettuce is crisp and not far behind iceberg lettuce in terms of water content. It provides various nutritional benefits and also a good source of Vitamin A, C and K
6. Zucchini
Commonly called summer squash, zucchini contains manganese, potassium, Vitamins A, C and K, as well as magnesium. It also has antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help fight damage to the body’s DNA. It is packed with a water content of 92.73%.
7. Watermelon
Watermelon is a summer favourite as its hydrating benefits are a great fit for hot weather and Ramadan. This sweet fruit contains mainly water as well as vitamin C, vitamin A, several B vitamins, potassium, zinc, copper, and many other minerals. A cup of diced watermelon also contains just 45.6 calories.
8. Spinach
Spinach makes a great base for salads and one of the best foods for Ramadan. People can also blend it into a smoothie with sweet fruit. For those who find spinach too bitter, mixing it with sweet fruit in a smoothie can help balance out the taste.
This leafy green vegetable packs a lot of nutrition and fiber with very few calories. It also contains calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin K, fiber, and folate. The water content is 91.4%.
9. Strawberries
Strawberries contain antioxidants that fight damage from free radicals. They are high in fiber and low in calories. The water content. The sweet tasting fruit has a water content of 90.95% and is also one of Ramadan’s best foods.
10. Cantaloupe
Also known as muskmelon, cantaloupe is high in fiber and Vitamin C. It makes an excellent summer and Ramadan snack. Like many other orange fruits and vegetables, it is also a source of beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A.
11. Kale
Kale has 89.63% water content. It is a nutrient dense, leafy green vegetable that also contains calcium, fiber, protein, and omega-3fatty acids. Kale is a good plant based source of iron and some B vitamins, as well as anti-inflammatory phytochemical. It is also one of Ramadan’s best foods.
12. Broccoli
Broccoli may not be the first food that comes to mind when people think of hydrating foods, but this cruciferous vegetable is almost 90% water. It contains several different antioxidants and is also a source of fiber, iron, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
Other vegetables and fruits recommended to stay hydrated during the Ramadan include peaches, oranges, soy milk, carrots, pineapples and apples.
All these foods will keep you healthy and hydrated during the Ramadan fasting period and indeed all seasons.
Stay happy. Stay healthy. Stay hydrated. Even in a lockdown.
Source:
