Fasting plays a pivotal role in various religions and cultures. Recently, fasting has gained immense popularity among health-conscious individuals. There are many kinds of fasting, but the one that deficits the way Muslims fast in the blessed month of Ramadan is Intermittent fasting.
Intermittent fasting requires cycling between periods of eating and fasting, ranging from a few hours to a few days at a time, while in Ramadan, Muslims stop eating before sunrise and eat after sunset. Scientists have observed that fasting has displayed many health benefits, such as better brain function, fighting inflation, etc.
1 – Reduces Insulin Resistance, Promotes Blood Sugar Level
Several studies have been conducted that prove that fasting improves blood sugar control drastically. Fasting is as effective as low-calorie intake to reduce insulin resistance. You can increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin by decreasing insulin resistance. Fasting promotes steady blood sugar levels, which means it prevents spikes and crashes in your blood sugar levels.
2 – Boosts Metabolism and Aids in Weight Loss
The window to consume food in the month of Ramadan shrinks significantly, which means you have less time to eat. Your calorie intake decreases from what you would eat on an average day. This may aid in weight loss, given that certain groups of foods are avoided.
Researchers have found that fasting may boost metabolism as neurotransmitter norepinephrine increases, which then enhances weight loss.
3 – May Aid in Cancer Prevention and Increase the Effectiveness of Chemotherapy
Test tube studies demonstrate that fasting might as well benefit the treatment of cancer and prevent it. Another study conducted on rats indicated that alternate-day fasting helped block tumor formation. Unfortunately, these tests are carried out on active cells and animals for now.
4 – Fights Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can have serious consequences for your health. Some studies carried out by scientists have shown that fasting has helped decrease inflammation and help promote better health overall.
One study in 50 healthy adults showed that intermittent fasting for one month significantly decreased levels of inflammatory markers
5 – Enhances Heart Health by Improving Blood Pressure, Triglycerides, and Cholesterol Levels
31.5 % of deaths in the world happen due to heart diseases. Changing lifestyle and diet drastically is the only way to reduce your risk of heart disease. Research indicates that fasting has proven to be beneficial for heart health.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comment section below.
For more news and updates, stay tuned to Wow360.