Watch out for dessert consumption during Ramadan! Expert recommendations

Dietitian Serkan Aksoy issued warnings regarding dessert consumption during the month of Ramadan.

Addressing why the need for sweets increases, Aksoy said, "The need for sweets increases during Ramadan. Due to the long fasting period during the day, plasma glucose levels drop, and the need for sweets rises. At the same time, since sufficient carbohydrates are not consumed throughout the day, the brain is deprived of glucose, its sole energy source, resulting in a greater craving for sweets—the fastest energy source—compared to normal times."

MEET THE NEED FOR SWEETS THROUGH NATURAL MEANS

According to the report by T24, Aksoy stated what we should pay attention to regarding dessert consumption for healthy eating, saying, "It should not be forgotten that the consumption of white flour, white sugar, and simple carbohydrates, known as pre-digested, can cause long-term complications for the organism. The most correct way to meet the need for sweets is with desserts made from fruit, honey, molasses, and dried fruits. Since sugar cravings are directly proportional to the frequency of eating due to habit, the content should be considered if sweets are to be consumed. Especially in terms of protein and fat content, milk-based desserts should be preferred to prevent a rapid rise in blood sugar. I can say that it would be more appropriate to consume sweets together with hard-shelled fruits such as walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, and pistachios."

Pointing out that the need for sweets can also be met with fruit, Aksoy said, "To avoid finding ourselves in front of the refrigerator after every meal and to reduce our need for sweets, fruits such as dried mulberries, dates, and dried apricots can be consumed after meals. If our need still persists, desserts made with fruit and milk, sweetened with honey near cooling, are among the options. You will see that your need for sweets is suppressed on the days you eat fruit. Furthermore, it should be known that unlimited consumption is not the case for any healthy product; even if we consume a good food, portion control is very valuable."

WHO SHOULD NOT FAST

Explaining the situations where fasting is not recommended, Aksoy said, "It is recommended that those who have recently undergone surgery, expectant mothers, nursing mothers, and people experiencing cardiovascular health problems should not fast. Apart from these, we recommend that those with chronic illnesses and health problems consult their doctors before fasting."