Fasting is one of the major religious rituals of Moslems and many other religions and beliefs as well. God asked Moslems clearly to fast during Ramadan when Allah stated in the Quran; “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may develop God-consciousness.”
What is fasting?
Fasting is to refrain from the intake of all of some food and drinks for a certain period of time. For Moslems, they are prohibited to eat or drink from dawn till sunset in the 29 or 30 days of the holy month of Ramadan.
The Benefits of Fasting
There are several health benefits of fasting in Ramadan. According to the old saying, “fast, you will be healthy,” fasting has multiple benefits for psychological and physical health.
Fasting enhances the body’s control over blood sugar levels
Many studies asserted that fasting contributes to the enhancement of blood sugar levels. Thus, fasting is proven to be quite healthy for diabetic patients. A major health benefit of Ramadan is that it can also improve the symptoms and effects of diabetes, especially type 2.
Empower the health of the heart
Among the most important health benefits of fasting during Ramadan is that it helps the heart carries out his functions in a better manner. Fasting reduces the risk of heart disease by improving blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels in the body.
Fasting supports the functions of the brain
The benefits of fasting include the ability to make the brain functions in a much better way. Researches have shown that the brains of people who fast in regular or intermittent periods are performing much better than others especially in neurons and cognitive health.
Fasting helps in combating inflammations
Acute inflammation is the cause of many diseases and infections. The benefits of Fasting in Islam include in this case as well. Fasting benefits also include the contribution to heal from rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, chronic diseases, infections, and cancers.
Fasting helps the body detox
One of the vital benefits of fasting is that it supports the body to get rid of toxins. Available everywhere around us; in the air, food, and water, toxins are also present due to the chemical reactions that take place inside our bodies. Many of these toxins are stored in the body’s fats which are burned during fasting in Ramadan.
Fasting is beneficial for the digestive system
Fasting helps the digestive system to relax and contributes to maintaining fluid balance in the body. During the month of Ramadan, some people are forced to change a number of their bad habits, such as reducing smoking and drinking coffee, which greatly affect the stomach and digestive system.