Fasting is prescribed for us. Allah has ordained a month specifically for fasting and remembrance of Him. Our bodies are designed to clean themselves and heal themselves ritually every Blessed Ramadan. This internal house cleaning is necessary to keep us healthy and vibrant. Fasting provides the perfect condition for the body to heal itself. Fasting gives the brain and the nervous system a break; it also clears and strengthens the mind. It gives the vital organs a complete rest. It increases the powers of digestion, and allows the organs of elimination to do their jobs. Nutritionists and health experts are very concerned about supplying the body with enough food; however, they give little attention to the damage brought on by too much food, and too little attention to the elimination of waste. To many people, food means love, security, and comfort. They mentally believe they cannot live without it. They indulge and over-indulge; but what exactly happens when you fast?
1. The body breaks down fats faster.
2. The blood flows quicker to other organs, and tissues are repaired faster.
3. The digestive process rejuvenates itself, and it boost the immune system.
4. By giving the internal organs a rest, this gives them the opportunity to rebuild their strength.
5. We eliminate waste from the blood quicker which increases the body’s ability to dissolve clots.
6. White blood cells destroy bacteria better.
Most people overeat and don’t exercise. This pattern of dietary destruction continues daily for 365 days a year. While fasting we must remember our Lord and be thankful to Him for caring enough about us to give us a month of reflection. Spiritually and physically, we need all the help we can get, and Ramadan is the cure. When fasting, the body can remove chemicals and toxins responsible for a wide variety of diseases. A very big problem with eating is usually too much fat, sugar, and salt. All of the above items are deadly in excess. By using fat as an example, we will explain how in excess it harms our systems. First, it enters the blood stream, then the cellular spaces, and then it enters the cells. When the cells become overloaded with excess fat, this causes stagnation, cell degeneration, inflammation and sometime toxemia. Fasting helps us to revive, rejuvenate and heal. Restoration of health and purification of self are the goals for all during this blessed month.
Here are two Ramadan treats I found that should be made with the most wholesome and organic ingredients you can find. In moderation, we will find success. Ramadan Kareem
SWEET POTATO KHEER
Ingredients:
1 cup grated sweet potatoes
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh coconut, scraped
5 cardamoms, ground
4 cups full cream milk
What you do:
Wash, peel and grate sweet potatoes. Cook in milk till it turns soft and the mixture thickens. Then add sugar, cardamom powder and coconut and cook for a few minutes. Serve hot or cold. This kheer looks like vermicelli kheer and tastes excellent.
STUFFED BANANAS
What you need:
6 ripe, peeled rajali ( a ripened plantain) bananas
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh coconut
green cardamom powder
ghee (clarified butter) for frying
What you do:
Cut banana into 3-inch pieces. Cook sugar and coconut with cardamom powder on slow fire, until sugar melts and the mixture thickens. Slit each banana piece, and fill in coconut mixture. Hold together with a toothpick. Fry in ghee over medium flame till golden brown.
