The medicinal benefits of Hyderabadi haleem: This Ramadhan dish strengthens muscles, burns fat fast, and increases sperm count in men

The unique feature of  this Hyderabadi dish is that it contains both slow-digesting and fast-burning ingredients. The fibre content is also relatively high. The legumes that go into its
production increase muscle strength and sexual potency. The ingredients are also rich in potassium and magnesium. Whole grains like wheat, nuts, vegetables and dry fruits solve the problem of low sperm count, which has of late become a major health and reproductive problem in industrialised nations.

By Syed Akbar

Haleem, the special Ramzan dish of Hyderabad known for
its unique taste, has several
medicinal properties that improve semen production and stimulate ovulation.
Studies by city Unani physicians and researchers show that Haleem and its
variant Harees increase sperm count and
promote sperm health and motility in men and assist in better ovulation in
women. The special ingredients that go
into the preparation of Haleem and Harees stimulate blood circulation to
vital body organs thereby reducing sexual
dysfunction and the problem of low sperm count.
"The unique feature of  this Hyderabadi dish is that it contains both
slow-digesting and fast-burning ingredients. The
fibre content is also relatively high. The legumes that go into its
production increase muscle strength and sexual
potency. The ingredients are also rich in potassium and magnesium.
Whole grains like wheat, nuts, vegetables and dry fruits solve the problem
of low sperm count, which has of late
become a major health and reproductive problem in industrialised nations,"
says Dr Fazal Ahmad, senior Unani
researcher.
Dr Fazal, who also edits Unani monthly Cure for All, points out that
Haleem and Harees acquire the aphrodisiac
properties primarily because of the five "Gs" that go into its
preparation. "Gur (jaggery), gond (natural gum), ghost
(meat), ghehoon (wheat) and ghee are special Unani prescriptions. A
combination of all five or some of them
increases sexual potency primarily by increasing the sperm count. Our
research has shown that those who consume
Haleem or Harees on regular basis are sexually more active than who
don't," he says.
Many residents of Barkas locality in Hyderabad consume Harees at breakfast
everyday and this is reflected on their
good physique and better reproductive health.
According to senior Unani physician Dr Ilyas Khan, Haleem contains
minerals selenium, folic acid, and zinc and
vitamins A, C, and E. "It has been scientifically proved that foods rich
in these compounds increase the sperm count
and sperm motility, thus assisting in reproductive health. Studies have
shown that Haleem and Harees increase blood
circulation and assist in blood production. The system of Unani medicine
says any food that increases blood
circulation will promote sperm production," he says.
Hakeem Tariq Mehmood Chughtai in his research publication on the health
benefits of Haleem and Harees points
out that one should not take water immediately after consuming this
special festival dish to derive maximum benefit
from it. Since Haleem/Harees contains both "slow and fast digestion
ingredients" the benefits will be more if the dish
is consumed soon after breaking the day-long fast during Ramzan.