Health benefits of Fasting in Ramadhan
It has been suggested that fasting during Ramadan has numerous health benefits,
improved brain function and alertness due to greater brain cell production;
No doubt you’ll be aware of the positive effects fasting can have on your mental wellbeing and spiritual focus, but the brain-boosting powers of Ramadan are even more significant than you might think.A study carried out by scientists in the USA found that the mental focus achieved during Ramadan increases the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which causes the body to produce more brain cells, thus improving brain function.Likewise, a distinct reduction in the amount of the hormone cortisol, produced by the adrenal gland means that stress levels are greatly reduced both during and after Ramadan.
Controls diabetes,blood pressure and blood suger
As a health-behavior analogue, clinical investigation has suggested health benefits of fasting during Ramadan, showing
- a reduction of blood glucose LDL cholesterol levels and increases in HDLcholesterol
- a reduction of cholesterol
- greatly reduced stress levels due to a reduction in cortisol;
- better control of diabetes;
- decrease of blood sugar;
- decrease of mean arterial pressure
- reduced blood pressure
We all know that weight loss is one of the possible physical outcomes of fasting during Ramadan, but there’s also a whole host of healthy changes going on behind the scenes.
A team of cardiologists in the UAE found that people observing Ramadan enjoy a positive effect on their lipid profile, which means there is a reduction of cholesterol in the blood.
Low cholesterol increases cardiovascular health, greatly reducing the risk of suffering from heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke. What’s more, if you follow a healthy diet after Ramadan, this newly lowered cholesterol level should be easy to maintain.
Weight loss is so easy in Ramadhan
Dr Mahroof says the use of fat for energy helps weight loss. It preserves the muscles and eventually reduces your cholesterol level. In addition, weight loss results in better control of diabetes and reduces blood pressure. “A detoxification process also occurs, because any toxins stored in the body’s fat are dissolved and removed from the body”, says Dr Mahroof. After a few days of the fast, higher levels of endorphins appear in the blood, making you more alert and giving an overall feeling of general mental wellbeing.
As well as being great for spiritually cleansing yourself, Ramadan acts as a fantastic detox for your body. By not eating or drinking throughout the day your body will be offered the rare chance to detoxify your digestive system throughout the month.So this leads to a
- decrease of waist circumference
- weight loss due to the use of fat for energy while preserving muscle;
- decrease of body mass index;
- a detoxificationof body
When your body starts eating into fat reserves to create energy, it will also burn away any harmful toxins that might be present in fat deposits. This body cleanse will leave a healthy blank slate behind, and is the perfect stepping stone to a consistently healthy lifestyle.
Better nutrient absorption and better overall functioning of body
By not eating throughout the day during Ramadan you’ll find that your metabolism becomes more efficient, meaning the amount of nutrients you absorb from food improves.
This is because of an increase in a hormone called adiponectin, which is produced by a combination of fasting and eating late at night, and allows your muscles to absorb more nutrients.
This will lead to health benefits all around the body, as various areas are able to better absorb and make use of the nutrients they need to function.
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.
- Stabilizes insulin levels
– prevents and reverses diabetes.
In a 2005 studyDanish 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.
- Gives you more energy
– get more done, have more fun!
- Dramatically reduce risk of chronic diseases & obesity.
– Say goodbye to dangerous belly fat forever!
- 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.
- 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.
- Lowers triglycerides & prevents Alzheimer’s
– possibly cut your future medical bills.
- Reduces free radical cell damage
– look and feel younger for longer.
- 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
- Regan A.R. Gurung (21 April 2014). Multicultural Approaches to Health and Wellness in America. ABC-CLIO. p. 149. ISBN9781440803505.
- “Fasting and your health”. NHS Choices. 21 July 2012. Retrieved 29 June 2014.
