"Balanced nutrition is essential in maintaining body resilience, digestive health, and liquid-electrolyte balance as well as improving sleep quality," stated Nia Reviani, Assistant Deputy for Health Service Improvement at Kemenko PMK, on Saturday.
She also noted that several chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiac problems, could be prevented by following a nutritionally balanced diet.
"For that reason, we (the ministry) call on people to apply the diet, as it will also help to keep our body well-maintained during the holy fasting month of Ramadan," she remarked.
Reviani then detailed five steps in applying the diet during Ramadan, with the first being not to miss suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and to hasten iftar (fast-breaking meal).
The second step is to follow the "isi piringku" (fill my plate) guide during suhoor and iftar.
"Isi piringku is a guide for the nutritionally balanced diet arranged by the Health Ministry that comprises four main groups of nutrition, namely carbohydrate, proteins, vegetables, and fruits," she stated.
In the third step, the Kemenko PMK advised people to consume low-glycemic carbohydrates, such as red rice, whole grains, sweet potatoes, and corn during suhoor, as they will provide a feeling of fullness for longer and prevent an unwanted spike in blood sugar.
The fourth step calls for providing sufficient vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and natural fiber for the body by increasing the consumption of vegetables and fruits both during suhoor and iftar.
Under the last step, the ministry emphasizes the importance of mineral water in keeping the body hydrated.
"Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam that presents benefits for physical and mental health. However, the fasting practice also highlights the need for the adjustment of eating and drinking diet to ensure the fulfillment of optimal daily nutritional needs," the deputy assistant remarked.
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Translator: Wuryanti Puspitasari, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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