UNDIP, Semarang (4/3) – When the Maghrib call to prayer is heard, many people immediately look for sweet drinks or foods to break their fast. This tradition is deeply rooted in society. However, is all sweet food actually good for breaking the fast? Nutrition experts from the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro (FK UNDIP) explain that what is recommended is sweetness from natural sources, not simply foods or drinks with high sugar content.
dr. Enny Probosari, M.Si.Med., Sp.G.K. (K), a lecturer and Clinical Nutrition Specialist at UNDIP’s Faculty of Medicine, who also serves as Head of the Clinical Nutrition Specialist Program and Head of the Nutrition Installation at Diponegoro National Hospital, explained that the body needs a quick source of energy after fasting all day. “What is meant by ‘sweet’ is natural glucose to restore energy quickly, such as dates and fruits,” she explained.
Dates and various types of fruits are indeed good choices for breaking the fast. In addition to containing natural sugars, they are also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which help the body readjust after fasting.
dr. Etisa Adi Murbawani, M.Si., Sp.GK (K), a lecturer and Clinical Nutrition Specialist as well as Head of the Department of Nutrition at UNDIP’s Faculty of Medicine, delivered a similar statement. She emphasized that natural sources of sugar are far better than high-sugar beverages.
“Dates and fruits contain a lot of fiber and their sugar is healthier, which is why they are highly recommended for breaking the fast. Avoid immediately consuming sweet iced tea or desserts like kolak, as they contain very high sugar levels,” she said.
She explained that excessive sugar consumption can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, followed by a sharp decline. “If sugar intake is too high, blood sugar will rise quickly and then drop quickly. That’s when we feel weak,” she added.
In addition to choosing the right type of food, how we eat during iftar is also important. dr. Etisa advised consuming food slowly. “Eat slowly and chew properly. The goal is to prevent blood sugar from rising and falling too quickly. This way, we can enjoy our food and avoid feeling overly full,” she explained.
Ramadan is a valuable moment to improve eating habits. By understanding the right types of food, breaking the fast is not just about satisfying hunger but also about restoring energy in a healthy way. Choosing natural sweeteners such as dates and fruit and gradually consuming them can help maintain stable blood sugar levels after a day of fasting.
(Public Communication/UNDIP/Faculty of Medicine Team, adapted from FK UNDIP Official Instagram)