KOZHIKODE: As the holy month of Ramadan progresses, religious scholars and community leaders have begun addressing concerns over excessive consumption of oily and unhealthy food items during Iftar. Mosques across different regions have taken up the responsibility of educating their communities about the importance of clean eating after breaking the fast.
During Ramadan, many people tend to indulge in deep-fried snacks, sugary beverages, and calorie-dense meals immediately after fasting for long hours. This often leads to digestive discomfort, sluggishness, and, in some cases, even health complications such as acidity, bloating, and an increased risk of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
For years, the tradition of breaking fast with calorie-laden, oil-heavy foods has been deeply ingrained in Ramadan celebrations. Recognising the surge in lifestyle diseases, mosques across Kozhikode have started integrating health-conscious messages into their sermons.
“Our food culture during Ramadan is slowly harming our bodies. Eateries focus on taste rather than health and we have fallen into the trap of indulgence,” says Ansar Nanmanda, a religious scholar known for his Friday sermons.
“Sixty percent of the patients crowding medical colleges today are suffering from kidney-related diseases and other health complications due to unhealthy diets. Even medical experts warn against the excessive consumption of food additives like ajinomoto, especially among children and pregnant women, yet we continue to ignore these dangers,” says Ansar Nanmanda.
Kozhikode warms up to healthy iftars
The push for healthier eating is not just a response to medical concerns, it is deeply rooted in religious teachings. Shoukat Ali, a well-known advocate for clean eating, highlights the significance of Quranic verses that emphasise the importance of consuming only what is “halal” (lawful) and “tayyib” (pure and wholesome).
“In Surah An-Nahl (16:114), Allah instructs us to eat from what is good and pure. This Ramadan, we are taking this command seriously by promoting healthier eating habits. I’m grateful that even religious communities are joining in this effort to shift our focus from indulgence to nourishment,” he says. “People are now thinking twice before indulging in unhealthy food.
The change is happening, and it’s heartening to see,” Ali adds. Spurred by these discussions, a growing number of people are seeking healthier alternatives for their Iftar meals. Restaurants, home-based catering services, and community kitchens in Kozhikode have responded by introducing nutritious options, making it easier for families to make the shift.
Local eateries now offer grilled meat, lentil-based dishes, whole grains, and fresh fruit juices in place of traditional deep-fried items. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with more residents opting for balanced meals that sustain energy without causing digestive distress.
Health experts and nutritionists have welcomed this transformation, stating that a well-balanced Iftar meal can help maintain energy levels, prevent fatigue, and improve overall well-being.