Avoid Eating Fried Foods Immediately When Breaking Fast, Dr dr Karina Rahmadia Ekawidyani Explains Its Impact on Health

Fried foods are among the most popular choices for Indonesians, including during iftar the breaking of the fast. However, the habit of consuming fried foods on an empty stomach after fasting all day is not recommended and should be avoided, as it may pose risks to digestive health.

Lecturer in the Department of Public Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition (FKGiz) IPB University, Dr dr Karina Rahmadia Ekawidyani, MGizi, explained that fried foods contain high levels of saturated fats and trans fats due to the frying process.

“It is actually not advisable to break your fast with fried foods,” she stated in the IPB Pedia program broadcast on IPB TV’s YouTube channel.

She further elaborated that fats are nutrients that are more difficult to digest compared to carbohydrates. “These fried foods are deep-fried, meaning they are high in fat. Fat is more difficult to digest, and the digestive process takes longer compared to digesting carbohydrates,” she said.

According to Dr Karina, after fasting for an entire day, the digestive system has been resting for a prolonged period. Consuming high fat foods immediately can force the digestive system to work harder. “This can potentially lead to digestive issues at the very least, stomach discomfort, nausea, or cramps,” she explained.

She also cautioned that consuming fried foods on an empty stomach may trigger an increase in gastric acid, particularly in individuals with a history of stomach disorders. “Imagine an empty stomach; the acid levels rise. For those with gastric problems, it can be extremely painful,” she noted.

Nevertheless, Dr Karina emphasized that fried foods are not completely forbidden when breaking the fast. “Eating fried foods during iftar is permissible, but with conditions: there should be a time interval and portion control,” she said. She recommended that fried foods be consumed only after the stomach has first been filled with light foods or a main meal.

Moreover, the quantity of fried foods should be limited. Continuous excessive fat consumption can accumulate in the body and potentially lead to obesity. “Fried foods that are high in fat also carry risks if consumed in large amounts without control on a daily basis,” she warned.

Dr Karina encouraged the public not only to manage fried food consumption during iftar but also in daily life. According to her, adopting healthier eating habits will have a positive impact on long-term health quality. (Fj) (IAAS/FHD)