Foods That Often Abound During Eid, Can Cause Illness

Kapanlagi.com - Eid al-Fitr is synonymous with various delicious dishes that whet the appetite. From ketupat to a variety of cookies, everything is available in abundance on the dining table. However, behind the deliciousness of Eid specialties, there are health risks lurking if consumed excessively.

Many Eid foods contain high levels of fat, sugar, and cholesterol, which can trigger diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and digestive disorders. It is not uncommon for many people to experience a spike in cholesterol levels or drastic weight gain after Eid.

To still enjoy Eid dishes without worrying about the effects, it is important to recognize the risky foods and control the portions. Here is a list of foods to watch out for during the Eid al-Fitr celebration.

1. Offal and Processed Goat Meat, High in Cholesterol and Purine

Quoting klikdokter, dishes made from offal such as liver, gizzard, and intestines often become part of the Lebaran feast, especially in preparations like curry and soup. In addition, goat meat is also commonly processed into satay or tongseng, which makes it even more tempting.

Why should we be cautious?

• Offal is rich in cholesterol and purine, which can trigger an increase in uric acid levels and worsen conditions such as hypertension and gout.
• Goat meat is also high in saturated fat, which, if consumed excessively, can increase the risk of heart disease.
• If not balanced with vegetable and fiber intake, these foods can exacerbate digestive disorders.

Limiting consumption and choosing healthier cooking methods, such as grilling without much fat, can be a solution to safely enjoy these dishes.

2. Coconut Milk Opor and Curry, Causes of Cholesterol Spike

It feels incomplete to celebrate Eid without chicken opor, rendang, or coconut milk curry. These dishes are indeed delicious, but their high coconut milk content can be the main cause of increased cholesterol.

Why can coconut milk dishes be dangerous?

• Coconut milk contains high saturated fats, which can increase LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels in the blood.
• Excessive consumption of coconut milk can lead to weight gain, especially when combined with high carbohydrates like ketupat and lontong.
• If not controlled, coconut milk dishes can trigger digestive disorders such as diarrhea or bloating.

As an alternative, use diluted coconut milk or low-fat milk in cooking to reduce its negative impact.

3. Crackers and Chips, High in Purines and Salt

As a complement to meals, crackers and chips are always present in Eid dishes. However, who would have thought that these snacks could be dangerous if consumed excessively?

Why should the consumption of crackers and chips be limited?

• Crackers contain high purines, which can increase the risk of gout.
• Chips are rich in salt and MSG, which, if consumed in excess, can lead to high blood pressure.
• Due to being fried in oil, the trans fat content in chips can also negatively impact heart health.
• If you still want to enjoy these snacks, choose baked options or limit the amount consumed per day.

4. Fast Food and Fast Meals, High in Trans Fats

Lebaran often becomes a moment to gather with family outside the home, leading to a drastic increase in the consumption of fast food such as fried chicken, burgers, or pizza.

What are the dangers of consuming fast food too often?

• Contains high trans fats, which can lead to an increase in bad cholesterol in the body.
• High calories can cause obesity if consumed without control.
• Lack of fiber content in fast food can disrupt the digestive system.

As an alternative, choose healthier options like salads, grilled foods without excessive oil, or clear soups.

(kpl/frr)