Why dates are the best food to break your fast

Breaking the fast with dates may be seen as a cultural thing, however experts in Birmingham City University 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 breaking the fast time as they contain glucose, fructose and sucrose as well as fiber, potassium and vitamin A.

“Wet or dry dates are as good. One piece of date contains glucose, fructose, sucrose, fiber, potassium and vitamin A. The combination of sucrose, glucose and fructose can increase blood sugar levels, and stabilize them at the same time,” she said as quoted by Antara News Agency.

Aside from dates, opt for a balanced menu to break your fast such as carbs from 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. (asw)