Every year, 1.7 billion Muslims around the globe celebrate Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. Ramadan, or the holy month of fasting, is a time of spiritual reflection, self-taming, and strengthening the bond between us (servants) and Allah (creator). It is also when people engage in various religious practices, both physical and spiritual, and refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours (an average of 14–15 hours). During Ramadan, the body depends on its stored carbohydrates and fat to provide energy. That is why people tend to look for ways to prevent hunger, thirst, and exhaustion. They also tend to become more conscious about the type of food they should consume or avoid. In order to meet the amount of energy and nutrients that the body needs, one should consume 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily, as well as follow a diet that is based on low glycemic index (GI) foods, among which is honey.

How can honey benefit you during Ramadan?

Honey is categorized among foods with a low GI value. It is slowly digested and highly absorbed, which causes a slower yet steady rise in blood sugar levels, giving greater feelings of fullness and making the journey of fasting healthier and less tiresome. Unfortunately, food consumption during Ramadan is characterized by excessiveness in sweet dishes. From jalebi to luqaimat, many people take this occasion to indulge in unhealthy sweets dipped in sugar syrup. However, sugar can always be replaced with pure, organic honey. Honey is composed of glucose and fructose (60– 85%), water (14–22%), minerals, proteins, enzymes, free amino acids, organic acids, and vitamins [1]. In fact, the glucose in honey is absorbed faster than sugar, elevating energy. As a matter of fact, Islam, 1400 years ago, has dedicated a whole surah (or chapter) to highlight the role of bees and the value of their produce. In verse 69 of Surat Al-Nahl (Bee Chapter), Allah SWT says: And thy Lord has inspired the bee, saying, ‘Make thou houses in the hills and in the trees and in the trellises which they build. Then eat of every kind of fruit, and follow the ways of thy Lord that have been made easy for thee.’ There comes forth from their bellies a drink of varying hues. Therein is a cure for men. Surely, that is a sign for a people who reflect. It is also considered one of the many foods served in Jannah (Paradise). In Surat Muhammad, verse 15, Allah SWT says: The description of Paradise which the pious have been promised is that in it are rivers of water the taste and smell of which are not changed; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine delicious to those who drink; and rivers of clarified honey, clear and pure.