The holy month of Ramadan is already here. Approximately 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide will abstain from eating and drinking during this month. The spiritual benefits of this month are almost uncountable, but what about our body? One might ask if it’s really healthy to deprive the organs of nutrition!
Through different studies, fasting appears to be more beneficial than we first would think. Here’s a brief list of some benefits of fasting on the body.
1. Blood Flow
When you’re fasting, there’s less blood going from the heart to the digestive system, which means more blood flowing to other parts. Blood vessels can be purified faster: no bad cholesterol levels, which in turn decreases the chance of heart diseases by 58%
2. Lungs
When we breathe, we absorb toxins of the environment constantly. Fasting helps remove these from the lungs.
3. Digestion
Since the stomach and the intestines are less active for a month, they cleanse and regulate themselves to allow a more efficient digestion afterwards.
4. Kidneys
When you’re fasting, the kidneys increase the process of eliminating non-useful materials (salt and water), which in turn decreases blood pressure.
5. Brain
Fasting increases brain activity, because it stimulates the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This protein activates brain stem cells and converts them into new neurons. It also protects the stem cells from changes associated with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Immune System
Fasting also improves the immune system because it reduces free radical damage and starves off cancer cell formation.
7. Metabolism
Fasting encourages a faster and more energetic metabolism since the digestive system is resting. This allows to burn calories and fat faster. It slows down ageing and could even add years to your life.
Have a healthy Ramadan!
