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THURSDAY | MAR 20, 2025

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Fasting done right sheds pounds, heals digestion o Nutritionist shares tips for healthy Ramadan with balanced meals, fruits and vegetables

Cousins keep family business alive

ALOR GAJAH: Age is no obstacle to Muhammad Najmi Amzairy, 18, from Melaka Pindah to continue his late father’s bahulu (egg sponge cake) business. Determined to carry on the family trade, Najmi decided to

make the 20-year-old business his main source of income after completing secondary school earlier this year. When his father died in 2021 due to a stroke, Najmi’s cousin, Arif Fathilah Othman, 28, took charge

of the business. Today, the two work hand in hand to preserve the family’s heritage, Bernama reported. “My late father made a living selling bahulu to support me and my younger sister. I feel I should keep it going. “Letting the business go would be a waste, especially since we have everything we need in the workshop and have learnt all the skills from my dad.” The two recently received a visit from State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem, who spent about an hour at the workshop. Ngwe, who is also Machap Jaya assemblyman, pledged to assist the young entrepreneurs by providing new equipment, such as an industrial mixer and baking ovens. Najmi said it is a particularly busy time during Ramadan, as demand doubles ahead of Aidilfitri. “We price our bahulu at RM17 for 50 pieces to keep it affordable and help villagers earn extra income by selling them. “I am grateful that we are still able to run this business, although we sometimes struggle with issues such as lack of capital, ingredient shortages and rising costs.” He said at present they only offer the original flavour, but there are plans to introduce new flavours, such as coffee, pandan and strawberry. Meanwhile, Arif said initially he helped with the business after school but eventually it became a full-time job. “Every day, Najmi and I handle the production process, from preparing the ingredients, which includes eggs, sugar and flour, to mixing the batter, baking and packaging. “We produce around 1,000 pieces of bahulu daily. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, our bahulu is from a family recipe passed down through generations.”

KUALA LUMPUR: As Ramadan enters its third week, those fasting may find themselves more accustomed to the routine of abstaining from food and drink for over 13 hours each day. Hunger pangs diminish, thirst becomes manageable, and some may even notice their clothes have become loose, reported Bernama. Fasting has the potential to promote weight loss and improve overall health, but experts caution that this is only true if done correctly, through balanced meals at sahur and iftar. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Centre of Community Health Studies nutritionist Prof Dr Ruzita Abd Talib said it was important to adopt healthy eating habits for effective weight loss during Ramadan. “Avoid high-calorie foods, fast food and ultra-processed items high in salt, trans fats, artificial sweeteners, colouring and flavouring. Coupled with physical activities, this approach can aid in weight loss,” she said, adding that high-calorie foods provide incomplete nutrients and can make one feel more thirsty during fasting. Ruzita said prolonged fasting triggers a higher rate of fat burning, as the body utilises stored fat more effectively. “When we go without food and drink for 14 hours, this enhances the fat-burning process.” She added that apart from weight loss, fasting also promotes digestive health by allowing the stomach and intestines to rest and recover. “Normally after eating, the digestive system processes food into nutrients for the body. By fasting, the stomach

and intestines get a much needed break from their continuous work.” However, Ruzita warned against extreme fasting, such as abstaining from food and water for over 20 hours, as this can lead to digestive and health issues. “Prolonged fasting can increase hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Although it aids digestion, drastic reductions in food intake may disrupt the digestive system, causing heartburn, gastritis, ulcers, constipation and other stomach discomforts.” She also said skipping sahur increases the risks. “ Sahur is vital for providing the energy needed to fast throughout the day. Skipping it can lead to low blood sugar levels, causing dizziness, nausea or fainting, and dehydration.” Ruzita advised against overeating at iftar , and recommended a focus on hydration and simple, nutritious meals. “The key is to control your appetite. Prioritise plain water and limit sugary treats to avoid consuming |excess calories. “Your meal should include fruits such as watermelon, papaya and oranges, and vegetables to ensure sufficient fibre, vitamins and minerals for overall health and satiety.” She recommended following Malaysia’s Healthy Plate concept – balancing meals with one-quarter protein, one-quarter carbohydrates and half consisting of vegetables and fruits. “This ensures a balanced diet and aids in healthy weight loss throughout the fasting month,” she added.

Ngwe (right) recently visited the bahulu workshop and pledged to assist Arif and Najmi by providing new equipment, such as an industrial mixer and baking ovens. – BERNAMAPIC