Fruits are important during breaking of fast

PIC: Fruits like pawpaw (papaya) are good to start with. (Credit: Ruth Nanfuka)

RELIGION | NUTRITION

Muslims are advised to break the fast with water or juice and fruits such as bananas and pawpaw. The water and fruits gently wake up the digestive system and metabolism after going without food for 12 hours.

In line with this, Zainah Kiconco, a nutritionist in Wakiso, says fruit is the perfect way to break any fast.

She encourages people to start with fruits and water at breakfast daily because that is the first meal of the day which breaks the overnight fast.

Secondly, she says because fruits and vegetables are rich in fibre, which is digested slowly, a person stays feeling satisfied for a long time. This prevents one from overeating during the day, thus helping in maintaining desirable weight.

Patrick Muyanja, a nutritionist in Mpererwe, says: "I have seen people taking chapattis and soda when breaking the first without taking water first and the end result has not been friendly."

Hence, he stresses, one should at least take water or fresh fruit juice before ingesting any other food stuffs.

This is to help you prevent complications like constipation or a running stomach.

Drink something with less than 50 calories and your body will remain in the fasted state.

Muyanja says a cup of coffee with a splash of milk or cream is fine as well as tea.

According Sheikh Abdu Mpindi, the Imam of Kisaasi Mosque, fasting is a religious obligation meant to be undertaken by adult Muslims (15 years and above) who are mentally stable and healthy, free from disease, whereby they must have medication and regular meals.

Muslims are required to fast for between 12 and 15 hours a day. ​