For almost a millennium and a half, Ramadan has been hailed as the month of spiritual cleansing and reverence. Being one of the five pillars of Islam, fasting encourages Muslims to practice empathy, self-control, and discipline like no other. Yet, sometimes we worry that we will get tired and weak when fasting for long hours.
However, the amazing thing is fasting has many health benefits. In this article, we will talk about the seven benefits of fasting you can enjoy both during and after Ramadan. Keep reading to find out more!
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This infographic is based on information from the Ramadan Health Guide. Courtesy of: ikca.org.uk
1. Boosts Mental Health
People usually assume that those who fast are tired and have no energy to carry on with their day. However, it is the other way around. Research shows that fasting boosts the production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein that works to promote the rejuvenation of brain stem cells.
When we eat, food is converted into glucose in our digestive tract. The higher the glucose, the more lethargic we feel. This is where fasting comes in by helping regulate glucose levels and increase concentration, focus, and alertness.
2. Builds Healthy Habits
Fasting in general, and Ramadan especially, allows you to stop smoking and consuming other unhealthy substances. It is the perfect opportunity to integrate healthier habits and a mindful lifestyle.
3. Reduces Cholesterol Levels
One of the great upsides of fasting is that it reduces the amount of lipoprotein production, which also lowers blood cholesterol levels. Consequently, as cholesterol drops, so does the risk of cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and heart attacks.
4. Enhances Metabolism
By regulating the amount of foods you consume in a single day, your body becomes better equipped to metabolize fat cells for energy. As a result, your liver springs into action to convert fat and cholesterol into energy, stimulating faster metabolism.
5. Facilitates Nutrient Absorption
When we eat less, we provide our digestive systems with an opportunity to slow down and take a breather. In fact, Ramadan is the perfect time for our bodies to detoxify themselves naturally. By flushing out toxins from the body, we help develop a healthy gut biome. Additionally, fasting also helps balance out acidity levels in the stomach.
6. Supports Immune System
Many conducted studies show how fasting can enhance the immune system while considerably lowering the risk of various illnesses. Moreover, it can reverse the symptoms of severe health conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, and obesity.
7. Aids in Weight Loss
By abstaining from eating and drinking for long hours, your body helps maintain proteins at steady levels. Consequently, fasting promotes insulin resistance. Additionally, fasting helps protect against the dangers of a sugar and fat-laden diet. Then, slowly but surely, our stomach starts shrinking, and we get used to eating less food.
References
clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae
globalsadaqah.com
gov.uk
hsph.harvard.edu
moroccoworldnews.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
realbuzz.com
zamzam.com
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