HEALTH BENEFITS OF FASTING

About yesterday, Muslims all around the world started the yearly fast in the month of Ramadan. It is a period where for a whole month, they'll abstain from all forms of food and drinks from dusk till dawn.

Fasting is a practice that dates back to thousands of years ago. It is not only practiced by the Muslims but also by other religions and also backed by culture in some countries. It is a practice that helps keep the body healthy and also help to maintain a holy life.

This practice is highly recommended and has proven to have some health  benefits which you might find interesting. From Improved Brain functions to Improving Blood pressure and of course to helping with weight loss. Below are the main health benefits from Fasting.

1. Aids Weight loss: Even before the thought of fasting comes, when an individual is poised to lose weight, he/she will most likely make a decision to stop taking certain food or drinks or at best start a diet just to burn out some calories. Practically, they are fasting. Fasting increases metabolism rate in the body and helps to reduce body fat. This could also help slow the rate of ageing and ensure a longer life.

2. Reduces Blood Sugar Levels: Studies have shown that fasting may help with reducing the blood sugar in the body. It is said that it may help with reducing insulin levels, boosting pancreatic cells, and decrease the amount of abdominal fat. All these which will ensure a balance and steady blood sugar levels in individuals. This effect is also said to vary in different individuals.

3. Decreased levels of Inflammation: Inflammation is a localized reaction that produces redness, warmth, swelling, and pain as a result of infection, irritation, or injury. It is also said to be involved in the development of certain chronic diseases. Fasting, by way of calorie restrictions and dieting helps with decreasing these inflammation levels and in turn prevent chronic results that could develop from inflammation.

4. Reduces Heart Issues: Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. When it's levels increase, it increases the risk of heart diseases. Triglycerides are triggered by bad cholesterol which allows these levels to increase. Fasting decreases Cholesterol levels, in turn reducing Triglyceride levels which would then be responsible for an increased heart function. This also helps with reducing blood pressure.

5. Improved Cognitive function: According to Dr Mark Mattson, a professor of Neurology at John Hopkins University, fasting has been shown to increase rates of neurogenesis in the brain. Neurogenesis is the growth and development of new brain cells and nerve tissues. High rates of neurogenesis is responsible for increased brain performance and enhances cognitive function. It also helps with preventing or reducing the risk of brain disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Fasting has been found to be good for the general health and functioning of the body. It is also not prescribed for a group of people. Pregnant women or breast feeding mothers should stay out of fasting while people with serious health conditions should contact their doctors before fasting.

Have a nice day and Ramadan Kareem to our Muslim Readers.

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