Ramadan, the 9th month of the lunar calendar is a time when every Muslim, health permitting, fasts between sunrise to dusk and does not take any food or water or have any intimate relations. Although most Muslims fast as a sign of their obedience to Allah, science has now finally researched the benefits of fasting. And Intermittent Fasting is the current rage now! Read on to know the various benefits of fasting and how you can attain similar benefits as well!
BENEFITS OF INTERMITTENT FASTING:
● Reduce Diabetes Risk: Intermittent fasting has been shown to have major benefits for insulin resistance and lead to an impressive reduction in blood sugar levels for people at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
● Insulin levels: Blood levels of insulin drop significantly, which facilitates fat burning and helps in weight loss.
● Weight loss: According to a 2014 review of the scientific literature, intermittent fasting can cause weight loss of 3-8% over 3-24 weeks! The people also lost 4-7% of their waist circumference, which indicates that they lost lots of belly fat, the harmful fat in the abdominal cavity that causes disease.
● Human growth hormone: The blood levels of growth hormone may increase as much as 5-fold and facilitate fat-burning muscle gain, and cellular repair.
● Detoxification: removing waste material from cells and liver and cleansing of the gut.
● Reduce Oxidative Stress: Studies show that intermittent fasting can reduce oxidative damage and inflammation in the body. This should have benefits against ageing and the development of numerous diseases.
● Gene expression: Research has found beneficial changes in several genes and molecules related to longevity and protection against disease.
● Improved Heart Health: Intermittent fasting has been shown to improve numerous different risk factors, including blood pressure, total and LDL cholesterol, blood triglycerides, inflammatory markers and blood sugar levels
● Improved Brain Function and Reduced Risk of Depression: Several studies in rats have shown that intermittent fasting may increase the growth of new nerve cells, which should benefit brain function. It also increases levels of a brain hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a deficiency of which has been implicated in depression and various other disorders.
● Cancer: Fasting has been shown to have several beneficial effects on metabolism that may lead to reduced risk of cancer. The cancer cells die when deprived of sugar, and this has led to the popularity of the Ketogenic Diet to treat it, which is essentially causing the body to mimic fasting and produce Ketone Bodies.
● Longevity: Reduced calorie intake increases life span. It’s not surprising considering all the above-mentioned benefits!
As you can see, the benefits of fasting are numerous! The recommended fasting time is 8:16: eat for 8 hours and fast for 16 hours. So, if your health and Doctor permit, go ahead and try fasting at least once a week or once every fortnight to experience the amazing benefits yourself!
If you are a Muslim, know that every Ramadan, while the primary aim is to renew and strengthen your faith, you can reap innumerable health benefits as well.