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Current
statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) show the number of
overweight individuals in the world to be more than 1 billion, over 300 million
of whom are obese. These staggering results have pinned unhealthy nutritional
habits as the main culprit. According to the WHO, increased intake of
energy-dense nutrient-poor foods that are high in sugars and saturated fats, in
addition to lack of physical activity, have caused global obesity rates to
triple since 1980.
These
figures, coupled with the increasing emphasis in the media on the concept of an
ideal body image, have encouraged IslamOnline.net’s Health & Science staff
to compile a comprehensive folder named Eating Your Way to Health. The
objective is to highlight the importance of healthy eating habits in order to
maintain a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Our
folder consists of six sections that take on a multi-directional approach to the
subject of eating and health. These categories are:
1.
Healthy Eating: provides a look at healthy foods.
2.
Nutrition and Faith: In regard to food, Allah has bestowed us with many
wonders. This section gives examples of the foods and herbs found in
nature, and emphasizes their importance with a faith-based focus. It
also deals with the subject of moderation in Islam in general and with
respect to eating in particular.
3.
Beware!: deals with food items that do more harm than good, such as soda
drinks, junk food, and even fluoridated water.
4.
Dieting: this gives some useful tips on healthy eating regimes and
weight loss.
5.
Health in Fasting: highlights the numerous benefits of fasting to our
body and general well-being.
6.
Eating Disorders: this section was added to broaden the subject of
eating habits to encompass more than just unhealthy eating behaviors. It
gives insight into how over-enthusiasm in attaining a ‘perfect body’
may lead to dire consequences.
All
of these sections contribute to the idea of moderation. Allah has provided us
with helpful tips on how to moderate our behaviors. As mentioned in the Qur’an,
(Eat and drink and be not immoderate. Verily Allah does not like the
transgressors) (Al-A`raf 7:31). And (Eat of the good things We have provided for
your sustenance, but commit no excess therein) (Taha 20:81).
A
hadith of the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) contains a significant
message which needs to be promoted, “No man fills a vessel worse than his
stomach. A few mouthfuls that would suffice to keep his back upright are enough
for a man. But if he must eat more, than he should fill one third (of his
stomach) with food, one third with drink and leave one third for easy
breathing” (Ahmad).
In
order for us to fulfill our objective to the utmost, we would like to know your
comments and suggestions on the campaign. Please send us an e-mail at thinkhealthy@islam-online.net.
We would appreciate your contributions.
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