"Muslims who want to go on a diet can do so during the Ramadhan month. This is because during the fasting month, we can't eat at random times. In other months, sometimes people are tempted to eat food that looks good, even though they don't need it," he told the Jakarta Post.

Marzuki added that Muslims could also use Ramadhan to detoxify their bodies as their digestion organs would rest for most of the time during the fasting month.

However, people who have digestion problems should be careful to eat enough food with complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, to keep their stomach full during the day, he said.

During the fasting month, Muslims are obliged by their belief not to eat and drink from dawn until sunset. They are also told to restrain their desires such as lust and anger.(fsu/dmr)

Read other Ramadhan series:

Raditya Dika bares his soul, sharing his personal take on Ramadhan

Chef Yuda Bustara shares his fasting experience

Jakartans juggle work and worship during Ramadhan

Kids need good examples to fast

Learn to respect those who don't fast

Balanced dietary intake needed during fasting

Muslims may start Ramadhan together

Shuttler fasts in spite of tough training

Tips for staying healthy during Ramadhan

Unique traditions welcome Ramadhan

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