KARACHI:
Some 1,400 years ago, Muslims were commanded by Almighty Allah to fast during the entire month of Ramadan. The ancient Greeks recommended fasting to heal the body. Today, scientists advocate that fasting has numerous benefits as it significantly improves an individual’s mental and physical health. Furthermore, experts have also found that restricting food intake during the day can help prevent health problems such as high cholesterol, heart disease and obesity.
By not consuming any food during the first half of the day, our body is able to concentrate on removing toxins as we give the digestive system a rest. Nutritionist Claire Mahy told Al Jazeera, “Fasting allows the gut to cleanse and strengthens its lining. It can also stimulate a process called autophagy, which is where cells self-cleanse and remove damaged and dangerous particles.” Thus, contemporary research, which focuses on the link between diet, gut health and mental wellbeing, has indicated that fasting can aid in the release of BDNF — a protein that promotes nerve growth in the brain.
Many people who have observed fasting have found that it has helped them considerably in losing fat and gaining lean muscle mass, if done properly. It is important for people to understand that Ramadan is not just a month of spirituality since the practice of fasting also helps in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Both aspects go hand in hand.
Rimsha Shafi ur Rehman
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, April 28th, 2021.
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