Unesa.ac.id, SURABAYA—The time for eating sahur between waking up and imsak is limited, making most people prefer food instant noodles such as instant noodles for example for eating sahur. Instant food intake for sahur, which in fact is a source of energy for the body throughout the day, is not recommended for regular consumption.
UNESA Faculty of Medicine (FK) lecturer, dr. Rahmantio Adi, Sp.PD. said, although it is a practical choice, it is actually a source of simple carbohydrates that are easily absorbed by the body.
However, consumption of instant noodles needs to be avoided, especially during sahur because of the high sodium and MSG content which can cause uncomfortable sensations in the body during fasting.
"Consuming excess sodium can make a person thirst quickly, and sometimes it also causes a burning feeling in the chest and bloating, especially for stomach sufferers," he explained.
Doctor Tio continued, the vitamins contained in instant noodles can be damaged when cooked at a certain temperature, thereby reducing nutritional value after cooking.
The lecturer and specialist doctor suggested consuming other complex carbohydrates found in several other foods.
Aulia Putri Srie Wardani, S.Gz., M.Sc., lecturer in nutritional sciences UNESA also reminds the consumption levels of sodium salt for instant noodle lovers. He mentioned sodium consumption, with recommendations not to exceed 2000 mg of sodium or the equivalent of 5 grams of salt or one teaspoon of salt per day.
Based on guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, one portion of food must include carbohydrates, protein and fiber. In contrast to packaged instant noodles, the ingredients are not balanced, such as being high in carbohydrates but low in fiber.
"Look at the nutritional content on the back of instant food packaging, if the nutritional content is considered reasonable, then there is no problem consuming it," he said.
If you are forced to consume instant noodles, he advises not to use all the spices when serving them. Just half the amount of spices can reduce excess sodium levels.
Apart from that, if you have to consume instant food, make sure to combine it with other nutritional content, such as vegetables such as mustard greens and carrots.
"If necessary, add protein such as eggs or chicken, which can increase your intake of fiber, vitamins and minerals," he added.
Apart from rice, there are several alternatives such as oats or wheat which are more recommended than simple carbohydrates such as instant noodles.
The ingredients in this alternative are also considered suitable as a sahur menu to maintain body health and fast more comfortably. []
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Reporter: Mohammad Dian Purnama (FMIPA)
Editor: @zam* (FIP)
Photo /illustration: Getty Images/iStockphoto/bymuratdeni
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