Islamabad
Despite enhanced awareness among general public about the health risks involved in eating fried food, Ramazan brings with it the urge to consume food items that are not healthy at all – everything fried – from the traditional ‘pakoras’ to ‘samosas’ and ‘kachoris’ to ‘jalaibi’.
Such deep-fried food is sold in tons across Islamabad at every corner during the holy month -- so tempting is everything on offer that people find it hard to resist. Every shop and stall that sells such items enjoys a big rush of buyers which starts as early as 3 pm around the office closing time. It is indeed a business opportunity for many but the hygienic condition and use of substandard product is found open and rampant at such places, which is usually ignored by the buyers.
For many faithful, ‘iftar’ is a time to feast as tables are laid out that feature articles the health experts describe as unhealthy and advise they were best avoided. Whether they are able to consume those items or not, the tradition is followed in almost every household.
“Our proteins are cooked in open utensils with lots of ghee and cooking oils and due to oxidation the Omega 3 content also goes with it leaving LDL cholesterol, which is terribly bad for health,” points out nutritionist Naeema Ansari.
With food sellers now preparing in earnest to do brisk business, doctors insist that fried ‘iftar’ items and junk food should not be consumed because of their extremely harmful effects. “Fasting is beneficial but the things people tend to eat means they are not bothered about their health,” said Naeema.
The health experts further warned that ‘parathas’ were the unhealthiest for they had lots of ghee being added to the flour, which was a perfect recipe for disaster. They believe that simple chapatti is fine unless one does not exceed the limit.
Naeema explained that oil used for making ‘iftar’ items in the market was often of poor quality and its continuous use for days left only LDL and poly saturated fats in an item and no essential ingredients. “The oil is crude like furnace oil because of excessive use while other pollutants make it worse,” she said.
The doctors termed rice, potatoes and peas as healthy yet warned that if fried or cooked in oil they could become the best source of LDL cholesterol and poly saturated fats.
It is surprising though that most people despite knowing the ill effects of fried food, still opt for it. There are many who think that no Ramazan is complete without the ‘pakoras’ and ‘samosas’. “I have had this mouth-watering stuff each year during Ramazan ever since I was in college,” says 44-year-old Muneeb Ahmed.
The health experts however, advised moderation and suggested eating apples, peaches, watermelon and mangoes that were enriched with iron and other nutrients. “Eating less and healthy and sharing with needy is the true spirit of Ramazan,” said Naeema.
She advised parents to inculcate Islamic teaching habits in children during the holy month instead of encouraging unhealthy food and its waste.