The health benefits of Ramadhan fast as compared to Dieting

HOW IS RAMADHAN FAST DIFFERENT FROM OTHER TYPES OF FAST?

Muslims world wide observe total fasting (no food or water) between dawn to sunset in the month of Ramadhan. Although it is not done to reap health benefits as it is ordained by Allah(Swt).But science proves that the Ramadhan fast has immense health benefits apart from its spiritual healing.1.NO RESTRICTION ON TYPE AND AMOUNT OF FOOD INTAKEAs compared to other diet plans, in fasting during Ramadhan, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake since there is no restriction on the type or amount of food intake during Iftaar or Sahar.2.RAMADHAN ENCOURAGES SELF REGULATION AND SELF TRAINING FOR WEIGHT LOSSFasting in Ramadhan is voluntarily undertaken. It is not a prescribed imposition from a physician. In the hypothalamus part of the brain there is a center called “lipostat” which controls the body mass. When severe and rapid weight loss is achieved by starvation diet, the center does not recognize this as normal and, therefore re-programs itself to cause weight gain rapidly once the person goes off the starvation diet. So the only effective way of losing weight is slow, self-controlled, and gradual weight loss by modifying our behavior, and the attitude about eating while eliminating excess food. Ramadan is a month of self-regulation and self-training in terms of food intake thereby causing hopefully, a permanent change in lipostat reading.3.NO DIETING WITH SELECTIVE FOODIn Islamic fasting, we are not subjected to a diet of selective food only (i.e. protein only, fruits only etc). An early breakfast, before dawn is taken and then at sunset fast is broken with something sweet i.e. dates, fruits, juices to warrant any hypoglycemia followed by a regular dinner later on.4.ADDITIONAL PRAYER WHICH METABOLISE FOODAdditional prayers are prescribed after the dinner, which helps metabolize the food. Using a calorie counter, The amount of calories burnt during extra prayer called Traveeh. It amounted to 200 calories,according to a study.. Islamic prayer called Salat uses all the muscles and joints and can be placed in the category of a mild exercise in terms of caloric out put.5.FASTS BREAK THE ADDICTIONSRamadhan fast is actually an exercise in self discipline. For those who are a chain smoker, or nibble food constantly, or drink coffee every hour, it is a good way to break the habit, hoping that the effect will continue after the month is over.6.I AM FASTING:Psychological effect of Ramadhan fast are also well observed by the description of people who fast. They describe a feeling of inner peace and tranquility. The prophet has advised them “If one slanders you or aggresses against you, tell them I am fasting”. Thus personal hostility during the month is minimal.Ramadhan Fast changes us spiritually and physically for good and makes us energetic.

What Happens To Your Body When You Don’t Eat For 16 Hours

Ramadan fasts are from fazr to Maghrib usually around 14 hrs  and can be around 16 hrs .Let us see what happens to the body when you don’t eat for 16 hrs.

1. Stabilizes insulin levels

– prevents and reverses diabetes.In a 2005 study Danish researchers showed that intermittent fasting quickly increases insulin-mediated glucose uptake rates. Eight healthy men in their mid-20’s fasted 20 hours every other day for 15 days. At the end of the trial, their insulin had become more efficient at managing blood sugar.

2. Gives you more energy

– get more done, have more fun!

3. Dramatically reduce risk of chronic diseases & obesity.

– Say goodbye to dangerous belly fat forever!

4. Stops sugar cravings & hunger pangs

– fastest way to lose weight safely.A study published in the International Journal of Obesity in 2011 found that intermittent fasting was as effective as continuous calorie restriction for improving weight loss, insulin sensitivity and other metabolic disease risk markers., and slightly better for reducing insulin resistance.

5. Boosts growth hormone naturally

– plays an important part in health, fitness & slowing the aging process.Research presented at the 2011 annual scientific sessions of the American College of Cardiology in New Orleans4 showed that fasting triggered a 1,300 percent rise of human growth hormone (HGH) in women, and an astounding 2,000 percent in men.

6. Lowers triglycerides & prevents Alzheimer’s

– possibly cut your future medical bills.

7. Reduces free radical cell damage

– look and feel younger for longer.

8. Better brain health

– sharper mind, less risk of disease.A study shows that if you don’t eat for 10–16 hours, your body will go to its fat stores for energy, and fatty acids called ketones will be released into the bloodstream. This has been shown to protect memory and learning functionality, says Mattson, as well as slow disease processes in the brain.source of Reports :

1. Regan A.R. Gurung (21 April 2014). Multicultural Approaches to Health and Wellness in America. ABC-CLIO. p. 149. ISBN 9781440803505.
2. “Fasting and your health”. NHS Choices. 21 July 2012. Retrieved 29 June 2014.