JAKARTA (THE JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Breaking fast with dates may be seen as a cultural thing, but experts in Birmingham City University in Britain said the sweet desert fruit has nutritional properties that are capable of restoring energy after a day of fasting.
Although loaded with natural sugars, dates will not spike your blood sugar levels due to their low glycemic index.
Dr Rita Ramayulis, a nutritionist from the Indonesian Nutritionists Association, also recommends dates to be consumed at the time of breaking fast as they contain glucose, fructose and sucrose as well as fiber, potassium and vitamin A.
"Wet or dry dates are as good. Dates contain glucose, fructose, sucrose, fiber, potassium and vitamin A. The combination of sucrose, glucose and fructose can increase blood sugar levels and stabilise them at the same time," she said, as quoted by Antara News Agency.
Aside from dates, opt for a balanced menu to break fast, such as carbohydrates like potatoes, rice or bread to be combined with vegetables and proteins such as fish or meat. Milk is also recommended to fulfil the body's need for natural fats.
