DRINKS in Ramadan have become part of the month’s traditions. When Ramadan arrives, many things that are not drunk at other times become normal drinks. We find these drinks being sold on the streets during Ramadan and also being served on Ramadan dining tables.
One of the most popular drinks in Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is soubia. It is basically made of barley, yeast, sugar and water. The ingredients are mixed and allowed to stand for 10 hours until it is ready for drink. Soubia has many natural values since the barley contains potassium, magnesium and vitamin B. It also helps to lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure. Barley is also a laxative and a diuretic which helps to prevent colon cancer. As people enjoy soubia in Ramadan, they must be aware that the way it is made makes it vulnerable to bacteria — especially if bought from a street stall. The safest way to drink soubia is to boil it first to get rid of any bacteria and then to cool it for drinking.
A good source of vitamins in Ramadan is qamrideen — a drink made of dried apricots. Qamrideen is a well-known Ramadan drink, made of dried apricots boiled in water with some sugar and a little rose water. Dried apricots are excellent sources of both potassium and vitamin A that gives it an orange color. It is full of fiber, protein and vitamin C. It can eliminate menstrual pains, diarrhea and digestive disorders. It also is good for people suffering from anemia.
Licorice root drink is another popular drink in Arab countries, especially Egypt and Syria. It is made of the roots of the licorice plant. The plant contains non-carbohydrate sugars that are sweeter than regular sugar without the calories. Besides being a traditional drink served from a traditional container, it is beneficial in treating asthma and pectoral diseases. It also stimulates the digestive system though it may occasionally cause diarrhea and vomiting. Patients with high blood pressure must be careful about drinking licorice root because it may elevate blood pressure. In addition, it is not recommended for people with kidney problems.
Ramadan is also the time for drinking tamarind. Tamarind is a legume that grows on a huge tree native to tropical Africa; however, it is now widely grown in India. Tamarind is rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine and riboflavin and is also a good source of niacin. To make a cold drink, soak it in cold water. It can also be soaked in milk that combats acid in the stomach; It is also an appetite stimulator and is used to treat constipation.
Mulberry drinks that need diluting with water provide the body with energy since they contain large amounts of sugar. Other than that, they have no natural value because they contain artificial flavors and colorings. “Moderation in drinking these drinks is always better since they have so many calories and sugar that causes a weight gain in Ramadan,” said Dr. Nabila Azab, dietitian. “It is also better to have the drinks before or after eating the first meal because eating and drinking at the same time causes flatulence,” she added.
