I hope you found these articles useful and were able to introduce some, if not all of these foods into your Ramadan suhur and iftar. I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment below.
7. Astragalus
This a Chinese herb that looks like a popsicle (ice lolly) stick that is slightly sweet. The root is used and is dried to produce the herb that is very popular in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Astragalus is categorised in herbalism as a herb, meaning it aids in the adapting. This could be adapting to change in climate, life situation or in preventing and overcoming jetlag. As an adaptogenic, this herb is considered safe for everyone and for everyday use.
Ramadan can be a stressful time. The body is under physical stress for sure and adding in a herb like an astragalus can provide your body with the boost it needs to adapt to the changes and can help prevent you from becoming ill.The easiest way to introduce this herb into your eating habit in by simply sucking on the herb. Another way is to add it to anything that included boiling water. Add it to your tea, soup and while you cook rice or stew. It does not add any flavour that might alter the taste of the dish, but it will turn what you are cooking into a pot of stress-busting goodness.
The easiest way to introduce this herb into your eating habit in by simply sucking on the herb. Another way is to add it to anything that included boiling water. Add it to your tea, soup and while you cook rice or stew. It does not add any flavour that might alter the taste of the dish, but it will turn what you are cooking into a pot of stress-busting goodness.
8. Coconut Water
Rich in electrolytes and full of nutrients, makes Coconut water just about the most perfect drink to quench your post-fast thirst.  Fresh is always best, but it is not easy to find. Seek out coconut waters that have no added sugars or preservatives.
9. Seaweed
Many people avoid them because of the fishy smell and taste associated with them. There are many types of seaweeds and not all have a strong taste or odour. Two such seaweeds are Kombu and Kelp Flakes. These two versatile seaweeds are easy to use and have no adverse after flavour.
What’s the big deal about seaweed and why are they so important? Trace minerals and iodine, seaweed and other sea “vegetables” are rich in both. Yes, iodine is added to salt, but the name of the game is absorption, sea “vegetables” provide a very easy to absorb type of iodine. Your body can not use what it cannot absorb.
Kelp flakes can be sprinkled on your food like a condiment. Kombu is a very firm seaweed that does not easily dissolve into food when it is cooking. Add an inch (10 cm) piece of kombu to cooking water to extract the nutrients found in it.
Make sure you purchase seaweed that is ethically and sustainably harvested. Also, look for seaweeds that are tested for heavy metals. You also might want to avoid seaweeds from locations where there were oil spills or where there might be a change of radioactive contamination from. Water is the universal solvent and seaweed is in the sea. If you have hypertension or hyperthyroidism, please consult your health care practitioner before adding it to your diet.
10. Cocoa Nibs (Raw Chocolate)
This unsweetened, raw form of chocolate has the highest content of magnesium of any food. Magnesium is used in over 200 processes in the body and is half of the magnesium/calcium pump that keeps your heart beating. Magnesium is also called upon when your body is under stress. Boost your magnesium intake by having a few bits of raw chocolate nibs. Your body will thank you.
Ramadan is a great time to add these foods into your diet to stay healthy and well-nourished all month long and beyond. May your Ramadan be blessed and I hope you and your family enjoy these new flavours and foods!
Work Cited
- Fife, Bruce, Dr. C.N., N.D, Coconut Cures. Piccadilly Books, Limited (March 1, 2005)
- The World’s Healthiest Foods http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=135
- Abeytia, Anisa, “Chocolate: Good and Good for You.” OnIslam (November 25, 2010)
