Today we discuses some incredible health benefits of fasting. What is fasting? Fasting is primarily an act of willing abstention from all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. In Islam, fasting for a month is an obligatory practice during the holy month of Ramadan, from fajr (dawn), until Maghreb (sunset). Muslims are prohibited from eating, drinking (including water), and engaging in sexual activity. They are also encouraged to temper negative emotions such as anger and addiction. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the Pillars of Islam, and thus one of the most important acts of Islamic worship.
Fasting is not only a religious obligation but it has many health benefits. Fasting is a good practice, if properly implemented. It promotes elimination of toxins from the body, reduces blood sugar ans fat stores. It promote healthy eating habits and boost immunity. Research suggests there are major health benefits of fasting to caloric restriction. Benefits include reduced risks of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, insulin resistance, immune disorders, and more generally, the slowing of the ageing process, and the potential to increase maximum life span. Here are top 10 health benefits you can derive from fasting.
10 Incredible Health Benefits of Fasting:
1. Fasting Promotes Detoxification
The act of fasting promotes detoxification, since fat is burned and toxins are released. As the body breaks down its fat reserves, it mobilizes and eliminates stored toxins.
2. Fasting Improves Insulin Sensitivity
Fasting improves insulin sensitivity (which is a very big deal). When your cells are tickled by the effects of insulin, they do a much better job modulating your blood sugar levels after meals and this makes life a lot easier for your poor old pancreas.
3. Fasting Rests Digestive System
During fasting, the digestive organs rest. Fasting gives the digestive system a much-needed rest. After fasting, both digestion and elimination are invigorated.
4. Fasting Boosts Immunity
Fasting boosts immunity if one is careful not to break their fast with an abnormally excessive amount of food. Fruits contain vitamins A and E which boost immunity so one should take care of their balanced diet in between fasts if this is to take place. Fruits should be eaten a lot while breaking the fast.
5. Fasting Corrects High Blood Pressure
Fasting corrects high blood pressure without drugs. Fasting will normalize blood pressure in the vast majority of cases, the blood pressure will remain low after the fast, if the person follows a health-supporting diet and lifestyle.
6. Fasting May Help to Overcome Addictions
Fasting makes it easy to overcome bad habits and addictions. Many people have overcome tobacco and alcohol addictions by fasting, and even drug addictions. Fasting rapidly dissipates the craving for nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and other drugs.
7. Fasting Promotes Weight Loss
Fasting initiates rapid weight loss with little or no hunger. It reduces the store of fats in the body. However fasting is not a good weight loss strategy. Reducing fat and sugar intake, and increasing fruits and rest are better measures to achieve weight reduction.
8. Fasting Resolves Inflammatory Response
Some studies show that fasting triggers resolution of inflammatory diseases and allergies, examples of such being arthritis and skin diseases such as psoriasis. Some experts even suggest that fasting could magically heal the inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis.
9. Fasting Promotes Healthy Diet
Fasting is the perfect gateway to a healthful diet and lifestyle. Going on a fast gives you the motivation and enthusiasm to make a fresh start. It has been observed that fasting reduces craving for processed foods. It promotes desire for natural foods, especially water and fruits.
10. Fasting Clears the Skin and Whitens the Eyes
Fasting clears the skin and whitens the eyes. It is common to see skin eruptions clear while fasting, and the whites of the eyes never look so clear and bright as they do after fasting.