As Egypt prepares for Mawlid, health professionals emphasise the importance of moderation in enjoying traditional sweets, balancing cultural practices with health considerations amidst warnings about sugar and ingredient risks.
As Egypt prepares for the Prophet’s birthday celebrations, Dr Magdy Nazih has urged people to enjoy Mawlid sweets without treating them as entirely off-limits. Speaking on “Al-Sittat Ma Ya’rifush Yikdabu”, the therapeutic nutrition consultant said the treats are now tied not only to religious tradition but also to social custom, and that the better approach is moderation rather than outright denial. In his view, the aim should be to join the celebration while avoiding unnecessary harm.
Nazih said nut-based sweets such as sesame brittle, peanut brittle, chickpea sweets and other similar varieties are often seen as the lighter option because they contain protein and beneficial oils. Even so, he cautioned that they also carry substantial amounts of sugar and starch, which means they are far from harmless if eaten in large quantities.
For people with diabetes who still want to take part in the occasion, he advised cutting back on bread and fried foods on the same day to help balance overall carbohydrate intake. His message was not one of prohibition but of adjustment: keep the custom, reduce the risk.
That more measured view sits alongside stronger warnings from other doctors. Writing about Mawlid sweets, Dr Jamal Shaaban warned that they can contain ingredients such as sugar, artificial ghee, flavourings and colourings that may damage the heart and arteries. More broadly, health groups have long noted that confectionery can trigger blood sugar spikes, contribute to tooth decay and weight gain, and become more dangerous when consumed in excess.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
