Thursday, September 29, 2011

Balanced diet: Quran vs Science

Quran says???
The Qur’ân has not restricted itself in merely mentioning the permissible and impermissible foods but goes to the extent of giving useful tips regarding a balanced diet, a diet which contains most if not all the useful ingredients required for the growth, strengthening and repairing of the human body. These ingredients include animal protein, fat, calcium, iron, salts, etc. The most balanced diets consist of meat, fish, fresh milk, cheese and fruit. Both direct and indirect references have been made regarding the afore mentioned.
The reference regarding the importance of meat protein in the human diet is given in the following verse:
“And the cattle, He has created them for you, in them there is warmth (clothing) and numerous benefits, and of them you eat.”
(16:5)
In this verse special reference has been given to the importance of eating despite having said, “…numerous benefits…”. Reference regarding other types of meat has also been given such as the meat of fowls in the following verse:
“And the flesh of fowls that they desire.”
(56:21)
Fish has always been considered as a food of very high protein and is very important for human consumption. Allah says:
“And from them both (fresh and salt water) you eat fresh tender meat (fish).”
(35:12)
The usefulness of fresh milk is stressed in these words:
“And verily in the cattle there is a lesson for you. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, from between excretion and blood, pure milk, palatable to the drinkers.”
(16:66)
The benefits of fruits as good nourishment can be understood from this verse:
“And from the fruits of date palms and grapes, you desire strong drink and a goodly provision.”
(16:67)
Similarly there are verses which cover the whole range of fruits, salads, and vegetables which also play an important role in a nutritious, balanced diet:
“It is He who sends down rain from the sky, and with it We bring forth vegetation of all kinds, and out of it We bring forth thick clustered grain. And out of the date palm and its spate come clusters of dates hanging low and near, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranates each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety and taste). Look at their fruits when then begin to bear, and the ripeness thereof.”
(6:99)
Islam, being a complete religion, also teaches and advises the believer as to what the best method of eating is. The believers are advised to be moderate in every aspect of life. Direct reference has been made in the Noble Qur’ân regarding moderation in eating and drinking.
“And eat and drink, but waste not in extravagance, certainly He (Allah) likes not those who waste in extravagance.”
(7:31)

Islam strictly forbids indulgence in intoxicants such as alcohol and drugs for good reason. The limited pleasure of such vices causes immense long-term damage to both mind, body and the social fabric of society. Particular schools of thought include smoking within the list of prohibitions because of its harmful affects on the body. It seems that if Muslims adhere to the teachings of Islam, they would automatically lead a healthier lifestyle. God says in the Quran:

Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer, will ye not then abstain? (5:90)
Science says???
  • No fruits or vegetables have cholesterol, and most are naturally low in fat and calories.
  • Vegetables are a great source for potassium, dietary fiber, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C.
  • Fruits are a great source for nutrients such as potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C and folic acid.
  • Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure.
  • Dietary fiber helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease. Fiber is important for proper bowel function. Fiber-containing foods such as vegetables help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories.
  • Folic acid (folate) helps the body form red blood cells. Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant and those in the first trimester of pregnancy should consume adequate folic acid, including folic acid from fortified foods or supplements.
  • Vitamin A keeps eyes and skin healthy and helps to protect against infections.
  • Vitamin E helps protect vitamin A and essential fatty acids from cell oxidation.
  • Vitamin C helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy.
  • Vitamin C also aids in iron absorption.
  • Grains provide many nutrients such as dietary fiber, B vitamins and minerals.
  • B vitamins are essential for your metabolism by helping your body release energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates.
  • Folic acid helps the body form blood cells and is especially important for women of childbearing age who may become pregnant.
  • Magnesium from whole grains helps build bones and release energy from muscles.

Alcohol bad!!
  • increased risks of cancer- particularly at the mouth, liver, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, breast and bowel cancers.
  • even though some people say that small amounts of alcohol may protect the heart, how many people actually understand the definition of “small”? With alcohol, most people will overindulge, to the point of addiction- and that brings far greater harm, doesn’t it?
  • alcohol is high in calories and offer little, if any nutritional benefit. It’s like drinking sweetened water- just with 7 kcal per gram. It’s very easy to gain weight through drinking alcohol- they don’t call ‘beer belly’ for nothing

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