5 Fruits That Should Not Be Consumed During Breaking the Fast
JAKARTA - The moment of breaking the fast, both during Ramadan and when undergoing other fasting patterns, is very important for the body. After hours of not receiving food and drink, what first enters the body will greatly affect the digestive system, energy levels, and overall body condition.
Although fruit is known as a healthy food, not all types of fruit are suitable for consumption when the stomach is still empty.
Some of them can actually cause discomfort in the stomach, a sudden spike in blood sugar, to digestive disorders.
Here are five fruits that should not be the main choice when breaking the fast, as reported by the Pulse Nigeria website.
1. Citrus fruits (orange, lemon, grapefruit)
Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits have a fairly high level of acidity. Consuming them on an empty stomach can trigger an increase in stomach acid, causing pain, a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), or irritation of the stomach.
As an alternative, choose softer fruits for digestion such as dates or bananas in reasonable amounts. These fruits contain natural sugar that can help restore energy without increasing stomach acid excessively.
2. Banana
Bananas are often considered a healthy and filling fruit. However, when consumed as the first meal after fasting, the high natural sugar content can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. As a result, the body can feel tired or sleepy shortly after eating.
In addition, bananas contain a fairly high amount of magnesium. If consumed on an empty stomach, it is feared that it can disrupt the balance of magnesium and calcium in the body, which affects heart health. Therefore, bananas should be eaten after the stomach is filled with other snacks.
3. Watermelon
Watermelon is refreshing and rich in water, so it is often a choice when breaking the fast. However, its high water and natural sugar content can cause bloating and a rapid increase in blood sugar if consumed when the stomach is completely empty.
For more safety, drink water first and consume more stable foods such as dates before enjoying watermelon. That way, the digestive system has time to adapt.
4. Papaya
Papaya is known to facilitate digestion because it contains the enzyme papain. However, if eaten as the first meal when breaking the fast, the effect can be too strong and trigger a reaction such as mild laxative.
This can cause heartburn or discomfort. To avoid it, consume papaya after the main meal or after the stomach is filled with other lighter foods.
5. Pir
Pir has a high fiber content and is good for digestive health. However, the texture of the fiber is quite rough and can irritate the stomach wall if consumed on an empty stomach. As a result, the stomach can feel uncomfortable or bloated.
Preferably, eat pears after eating softer foods such as warm soup or dates so that the stomach is more ready to accept high-fiber intake.
Choosing the right food when breaking the fast helps the body adapt again after a day without eating and drinking. Start with water and easy-to-digest snacks, then continue to the main menu gradually so that digestion remains comfortable and energy is stable again.