We Muslims eagerly await fasting during the month of Ramadan every year!
Be it the first morsel at Iftar or the last drop of water at Suhoor - these moments give us satisfaction and spiritual pleasure.
Aside from this, what are the benefits of fasting? Is it only a door to lose weight? Let’s look into some scientifically proven facts that your beautiful body has made the most of during this past month!
Islam prescribes fasting once a year for the whole month of Ramadan and is highly recommended to fast on Mondays and Thursdays (Sunnah) and the 13th, 14th and 15th days of every Islamic month with the intention to get closer to our Creator.
Science reveals Ramadan fasting has a plethora of benefits on our bodies. First there’s our digestive system. It is constantly in overdrive from the modern diet of processed foods, lack of fiber and overconsumption of meat. This is why we see a rise in digestive disorders like IBS and colorectal cancer. Fasting in Ramadan gives your bowels a rest, promoting positive gut health.
Next is your immune system. It protects your body against infections and cancer. Fasting increases white blood cells and antibodies which are your body’s police men fighting infections.
Need to lose a few pounds? Fasting is great for weight loss too! After burning your calories from suhoor, your body taps and destroys stored fats for fuel in the rest of the fasting day.
Concerned about cholesterol? Fasting also helps you decrease “bad” LDL cholesterol that blocks your arteries, that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Fasting also increases “good” HDL cholesterol!
And don’t forget your brain! Fasting boosts memory, concentration and cognitive function. Ramadan is a phase shift in eating and sleeping which is a brand new chrono-biological pattern for the brain to adapt to. This increases neuronal connections and release of neurotrophic brain growth factors which leads to more development. It also improves your mental health by reducing anxiety and depression. Believe it or not! Elevated spirituality is therapeutic! Your brain increases serotonin productions which boosts your mood and decreases symptoms of anxiety.
Other proven benefits include:
· Boosts Metabolism
· Clears skin and rids acne
· Lowers Blood Pressure
· Promotes Heart Health
· Decreases inflammation
· Enhances recovery from injury
· Encourages better insulin sensitivity
· Decreases blood sugar
· Improves cell recycling
· Enhances your body’s resistance to stress
· Can help prevent and fight against cancer
And most important and best of all, abstaining from desires and bad habits, persevering for a state of purity and spirituality, dwelling in goodness throughout an entire month, serves as an iron clad bridge to your Creator.
Reflect and recollect on you have spent this Ramadan, and count the umpteen blessings your body and soul has acquired, be grateful for them.
Don’t just reserve these acts and practices for the holy month, instead, try and implement them all year round. They do wonders and miracles to the human you are.
Author: M.S.Reeha, Associate, GIO Chennai.
Pic. Credits: Canva
Date: 17th May, 2021.
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