Summer is now in full swing and so too is Ramadan. All this heat, though, will tire us out quicker in fasting season. Even though we are told to drink, on average, 8-10 glasses of water a day, this will be difficult to achieve in Ramadan. It's a clear digestive challenge to drink vast amounts in short periods, particularly after breaking the fast. However, we can top up our water shortage by eating a couple of juicy fruits per meal and snack for bursts of energy. Incorporate these super fruits into your diet to sail through Ramadan and to stay cool and hydrated Watermelon: It's mostly water and sugar. It's packed with essential rehydration salts magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium, so it can actually hydrate you more effectively than water. Figs: They're known to lower blood pressure, improve digestion and help with weight loss. Even the leaves of the fig tree lower the insulin required by diabetics. Slice fruits with some dates for breaking the fast every day. As one of the world's healthiest foods, figs provide a super load of fibre and energy. Oranges: They are sweet and packed with more than 100 per cent of the daily recommended value for vitamin C. Squeeze fresh orange or cut up segments into fruit salads. Mango: The king of the fruit jungle, and they're a good source of vitamins A, B6, and C, in addition to fibre. Slice to eat or cut in cubes and make a delicious juice. Pineapple: This exceptionally juicy fruit is packed with bromelain — a mixture of compounds with potent anti-inflammatory powers. Cantaloupe: It's an exceptionally good fruit for supporting energy production and the ability to keep the blood sugar stable. Blend the flesh and freeze for instant sorbet, or skin and cut into chunks to eat. Grapes: Bursting water with each bite, take your pick from the most delicious summer fruits. Grapes are known for their extremely high content of resveratrol — a substance that acts as an antioxidant and is heart-friendly.
