Are you worried that fasting during Ramadan will have a detrimental impact on health? Find out why the month long fast can have some surprising and beneficial health benefits.
Millions of Muslims around the world have successfully observed the spiritual cleansing of Ramadan for more than 1400 years. Some people fear that fasting over such a long period time will have detrimental effects on their health. If youÔÇÖre one of those worriers, then check out these five health benefits which you will enjoy during and after Ramadan.
1-      Dates:
Usually three dates are eaten at the time of Iftar every day during Ramadan for spiritual reasons, and to follow the Sunnah. They also come with the added favor of multiple health benefits. One of the most important aspects of fasting is getting the right amount of energy and considering an average serving of dates contains 31 grams of carbohydrates. This is one of the perfect foods to give you a boost and energy.
Dates are a better substance for getting some much-needed fiber, which enhances and improves digestion throughout Ramadan. They are a great source of high levels of potassium, magnesium and B vitamins. It quickly becomes apparent that dates are one of the healthiest fruits out there.
2-      Brain Boosting:
Without a doubt youÔÇÖll be aware of the positive effects fasting can have on your mental well-being and spiritual focus. But the brain-boosting powers of Ramadan are even more significant than you might think. A study carried out by scientists in the USA found that the mental focus achieved during Ramadan increases the level of brain-derived Neurotrophic factor, which causes the body to produce more brain cells, thus improving brain function.
Likewise, a distinct effect on reduction in the amount of the hormone cortisol takes place, produced by the adrenal gland, means that stress levels are greatly reduced both during and after Ramadan.
3-      Lower Cholesterol level:
We all know that weight loss is one of the possible physical outcomes of fasting during Ramadan, but thereÔÇÖs also a whole host of healthy changes going on behind the scenes. A team of cardiologists in the UAE found that people observing Ramadan enjoy a positive effect on their lipid profile, which means there is a reduction of cholesterol in the blood.
Low cholesterol increases cardiovascular health, greatly reducing the risk of suffering from heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke. WhatÔÇÖs more, if you follow a healthy diet after Ramadan, this newly lowered cholesterol level should be easy to maintain.
4-      Lasting Appetite Reduction:
One of the main problems with extreme fad diets is that any weight lost is often quickly put back on, sometimes even with a little added extra. This isnÔÇÖt the case with Ramadan. The reduction in food consumed throughout fasting causes your stomach to gradually shrink, meaning youÔÇÖll need to eat less food to feel full.
If you want to get into the habit of healthy eating then Ramadan is a great time to start. When itÔÇÖs finished your appetite will be lower than it was before, and youÔÇÖll be far less likely to overindulge with your eating.
5-      Detoxify:
As well as being great for spiritually cleansing, Ramadan acts as a fantastic detoxification for your body. By not eating or drinking throughout the day your body will be offered the rare chance to detoxify your digestive system throughout the month.
When your body starts eating into fat reserves to create energy, it will also burn away any harmful toxins that might be present in fat deposits. This body cleanse will leave a healthy blank slate behind, and is the perfect stepping stone to a consistently healthy lifestyle.
So have a healthy and beneficial month of Ramadan and start making a change in your body and in your Imaan.