What are the healthy components of the Iftar table in Ramadan?

To gain the health benefits of fasting and to avoid health issues associated with common wrong nutritional habits during Ramadan; your Iftar table should consist of healthy dishes. So we will highlight the healthy components that should be included in your Iftar table during Ramadan.

1. Dates: it's recommended to start your Iftar with an odd number of dates (Prophetic Sunnah); dates helps in regaining blood glucose level within normal ratios. Also adding some milk will be very good.
2. Soup: having a cup of warm soup at the start of your Iftar has many benefits; it helps in body hydration as well as it protects us from overeating. The best soup choices are tomato soup or vegetables soup; you should avoid creamy soup rich in fats.
3. Vegetable salad: this dish has many health benefits and provides the body with water, fibers, mineral and vitamins. Its caloric content is low and provides the body with the needed energy. Eating vegetable salad in Iftar daily protects us from gaining weight during Ramadan as it markedly reduces our food intake.
4. Proteins: lean protein is very important component in our Iftar table. The healthy sources for lean protein include; red meat, chicken, fish as well as legumes such as beans and peas.
5. Carbohydrates: it represents an important source for energy. It's recommended to eat complex carbohydrates such as; brown rice, boiled potatoes and whole grain pasta or bread. Don't eat much carbohydrates as it cause weight gain.