KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- A nutritionist and a physician have
advised Muslim athletes taking part in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in
Glasgow, Scotland starting July 23 to consume more sugary food and
protein like dates during the breaking of fast and pre-dawn meals.
Universiti Sains Malaysia food technology lecturer Prof Dr Azhar Mat Esa as athletes needed higher calories during the Games, they should take five times more than normal serving of sugary food, including juices.
He said dates, rich in sugary fibre, protein, vitamins A and C and minerals such as calcium, iron, sodium and potassium, would restore energy after fasting, but the calories could be burned only after 45 minutes.
They could also take high glucose food such as 'Power Bar' which could supply energy to the body quickly, apart from consuming high protein food such as milk," he told Bernama.
National Sports Institute (NSI) director-general Datuk Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz said apart from dates which would provide energy quickly, the athletes could take fruit juices or other sugary food.
"After fasting for 19 hours definitely the body will be weak due to low blood sugar and the best way to restore energy is to take sweet food," he said.
Ramlan also encouraged the athletes to take a lot of water, soup or porridge to keep their hydrated, thus avoiding the risk of dehydration due to longer fasting period in Scotland.
He said the NSI would issue a diet guideline for Muslim athletes to observe while fasting in Scotland during the Commonwealth Games.
By Ahmad Muliady Abdul Majid
-- BERNAMA
Universiti Sains Malaysia food technology lecturer Prof Dr Azhar Mat Esa as athletes needed higher calories during the Games, they should take five times more than normal serving of sugary food, including juices.
He said dates, rich in sugary fibre, protein, vitamins A and C and minerals such as calcium, iron, sodium and potassium, would restore energy after fasting, but the calories could be burned only after 45 minutes.
They could also take high glucose food such as 'Power Bar' which could supply energy to the body quickly, apart from consuming high protein food such as milk," he told Bernama.
National Sports Institute (NSI) director-general Datuk Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz said apart from dates which would provide energy quickly, the athletes could take fruit juices or other sugary food.
"After fasting for 19 hours definitely the body will be weak due to low blood sugar and the best way to restore energy is to take sweet food," he said.
Ramlan also encouraged the athletes to take a lot of water, soup or porridge to keep their hydrated, thus avoiding the risk of dehydration due to longer fasting period in Scotland.
He said the NSI would issue a diet guideline for Muslim athletes to observe while fasting in Scotland during the Commonwealth Games.
By Ahmad Muliady Abdul Majid
-- BERNAMA
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