FONTERRA SHARES THE GOODNESS OF DAIRY THIS RAMADAN

I cannot live without milk and dairy, and cannot imagine living without it. Milk and dairy have after all been an age-old proven favourite food in many part of the world with countless benefits for health, and a glass of natural milk provides the nutrients and energy you need to sustain your body throughout the day.

 Fonterra Brands Malaysia, the world’s leading dairy nutrition company from New Zealand, is taking the initiative to share ways for Muslims to incorporate milk and dairy into their diets, especially during this fasting month of Ramadan...

Fonterra Consultant Dietician Puan Nurul Aziah said the fasting month is the best time for people to refocus their attention on nutrition, and be more aware of the foods they are putting in their bodies to support long-term health and wellness. 

“Meal planning is exceptionally important for those going on the fast. To sustain energy levels and stay hydrated throughout the day, you need to get a balanced diet of nutrient-rich foods and fluids,” Puan Nurul Aziah said.

Along with Puan Nurul Aziah Musa, Puan Manisya Ismail, Cooperative Affairs Manager and Chairman of the Halal Committee at Fonterra Brands Malaysia shared recipes for sahoor and iftar at a culinary demonstration I attended  using the range of dairy from Fonterra – including milk, butter and yoghurt from Anlene, Anchor, Fernleaf and CalciYum.

“The pre-dawn meal, sahoor, provides fluids and energy for the day of fasting ahead, so making healthy choices can help you to cope better with fasting,” Puan Nurul Aziah said, as she shared a recipe for Kurma Overnight Oats which featured oats soaked overnight in Anlene Concentrate and Anlene Low Fat Yoghurt, chia seeds and chopped dates.

“This is a nutritious way to start the day, and the oats will help to keep the hunger pangs away while the milk, yoghurt, nuts and dates provide nutrients and fluids for the day,” she added.

The recipe is also great for those who are watching their blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure, as the new Anlene Heart-Plus™ formulation is fortified with Omega 3 (DHA + EPA), Potassium and plant sterol to help combat the 3-Highs.   

                                                                        

While iftar meals might be a time for celebration, with families and friends coming together to break their fasts, but it is important not to go overboard when eating iftar meals during Ramadan.

“Ramadan is a perfect time to make changes to improve your diet and form healthier eating habits that you can sustain in the long term.” 

For breaking fast, she demonstrated a local favorite Rendang Tok using Anchor Cooking Cream instead of coconut milk, for a healthier option.

Puan Manisya Ismail also emphasized the importance of incorporating dairy in her five children’s daily diet to help them build healthy bones.

“The best time to build bone density is during years of rapid growth – so childhood and adolescence are important times to make sure your children are getting the right levels of calcium to build healthy bones. Dairy’s a good way to also provide them with important nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A and D. And there are so many options – I find that cultured milk drinks, yoghurt and cheese are forms of dairy that children really enjoy,” she explained as she demonstrated the preparation of the Mango Tango Smoothie.

Fonterra’s Fernleaf CalciYum Cultured Milk Drink and Yoghurt help maintain a healthy gut which is important for nutrient absorption. It is made using natural colouring and flavours, perfect for growing children. This is a great and light way to start the Iftar meal for children, while adults enjoy dates and milk.

Puan Manisya also demonstrated Chicken and Potatoes Mini Pizzas incorporating the goodness of dairy with Anchor butter and cheese, and Fernleaf Full Cream Milk Powder. “This recipe is a great sharing appetiser for Iftar and is also a great snack before bedtime after Terawikh prayers.

All Fonterra Brands Malaysia products are certified Halal by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). The commitment to the highest Halal standards starts from New Zealand with stringent processes all throughout the supply chain to make sure all products meet the strictest Halal standards.

Fonterra Brands Malaysia has two manufacturing plants in Malaysia and produces brands that Malaysians love such as Anlene, Anmum (Lacta, Materna and Essential), Fernleaf, Fernleaf CalciYum and Anchor.

Note- click on the green coloured links for the recipe...