May 22, 2019
During the holy month of Ramadan, fasting is considered the focal point of worship as Muslims use the daylight hours to cleanse their souls and bodies by refraining from eating and drinking.
Fasting can be difficult for Muslims during Ramadan, depending on the time of the year and where in the world they are fasting. Long days and high temperatures can make fasting extremely difficult and even dangerous.
Fasting has been proven to promote certain health benefits and intermittent fasting has become a popular eating routine for athletes and those attempting to get in shape. But what are the benefits of fasting and can it help Muslims and non-Muslims alike lead a healthier lifestyle?
There has been plenty of research into the effects of intermittent fasting recently, as it has become a popular weight loss technique (alongside a healthy exercise regime.) The unique thing with intermittent fasting is that people don’t reduce the number of calories they are eating, instead they simply reduce the time frame in which they eat them. Fasting puts stress on cells which aids weight loss as fat is the main source of energy for these cells.
Fasting has been proven to help reduce inflammation and reduce the likelihood of people developing neurodegenerative disorders. During fasting our brain produces a protein known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which helps our brains rejuvenate stem cells. This is also thought to have an effect on the onset of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease too.
Obviously, the food eaten between fasts need to be healthy, fibre-rich foods in order to reap the true benefits of fasting. Fasting doesn’t have many benefits when people choose to indulge in sugary, fatty foods in between fasts.
Taking a break form eating allows people to reset their metabolisms and force the body to work slightly harder during fasting hours which will help people lose weight by using up fat stores and detoxing the body.
When breaking your fast, make Royal Nawaab’s halal restaurant in London your first choice.
