The holy month of Ramadan is the month of discipline, reflection and faith for all Muslims around the world. While religious and spiritual practices are followed, there is also a change in lifestyle and diets in which tea plays a major cultural role, as well as a health and hydration role.

What Does the Month of Ramadan Mean?

Simply put, the holy month of Ramadan is when Muslims abstain from eating and drinking, between dawn to dusk for 30 days. Most often than not, the act of fasting is interpreted as the symbolic gesture of undergoing similar hardships faced by the less fortunate in society, however, that is only just one part. In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to pray as much as they can, provide to charity, inculcate good habits, and instill strong discipline in their lifestyle. All of this is done to lead a simple, but meaningful life.

Health and Ramadan

During the month of Ramadan, individuals are encouraged to practice self-restraint and good habits. Health is automatically something that is considered due to the abstinence of eating and drinking during the day. The result is a change in diet and physical activity that sometimes can differ from culture to culture but is broadly the same. One of the best examples that showcase how health is a major factor in the month of Ramadan, is the time of breaking the fast at dusk (iftar). The most common method of breaking fast is with a sip of water and three dates as the Prophet did during his lifetime. Once the fast is completed, dishes containing high protein and complex carbohydrates are consumed for dinner with a refreshing beverage to rehydrate and nourish the body, and this beverage is often considered to be a fresh cuppa.

Tea and Ramadan

There are several variants of tea that are consumed during iftar, there are also some cultures that drink tea at dawn (Suhoor), just before the start of fasting. Whether you hail from an Arab culture, or an Asian culture, several forms of flavoured tea is consumed. You can make the experience even more exquisite by selecting the range provided by Dilmah. In addition to the cultural importance of consuming tea during the holy month, it is also known to have several health benefits that allow the body to hydrate, detoxify and function in a healthy manner due to natural antioxidants present in tea.

Health Benefits of Drinking Tea during Ramadan

One of the most notable health benefits of tea is the fact that is known to have antioxidant properties, along with other flavonoids. The presence of the plant flavonoids, and its antimicrobial properties help to keep the body hydrated throughout the day. This makes fasting a bit easier as you will not lose much fluids during the day. In addition to maintaining hydration, the antioxidant properties are also known to help in oral hygiene, as well as the digestive tract, killing off unhealthy bacteria and maintaining a healthy metabolic rate. Depending on whether you prefer black tea, green tea or herbal infusions; the variety of health benefits in a single cup are abundant.  

Tea Recipes to Try Out

Why not make your tea experience during the month of Ramadan an unforgettable one by trying out some of Dilmah’s healthy recipes? Every purchase you make from our online store comes with a Ramadan e-book where you could browse our selection, allowing you to try out recipes and experiment with several flavours and tastes of tea, including Earl Grey tea, black tea, afternoon tea, green tea, and lemongrass tea to name but a few. Here is one easy recipe you could try to make your iftar more wholesome:

Arabian Treasure

Ingredients

• 60ml Uda Watte Tea, brewed to preference.
• 120ml Ceylon Tea with Chocolate and Mint, brewed to preference.
• 60ml Date Purée (100g pitted dates puréed with 200ml water).
• 1 Cinnamon Stick to garnish.

Method

• Blend all ingredients together.
• Serve warm in a heated Arabian teacup with a cinnamon stick.

Go ahead and try your hand at making a black tea recipe, or even an Earl grey tea recipe like the Dilmah Earl Grey infused Chocolate Truffles. Make the most out of your tea journey, especially during this holy month of Ramadan.