Since this is the time when Muslims around the world observe the fast of Ramadan in obedience to God and to draw closer to Him, this practice strengthens their faith and spiritual connection.
In recent years, researchers in the fields of medicine and biology have shown a growing interest in studying the potential health benefits of this unique form of fasting, which lasts from the break of dawn until sunset, a period when the body’s biological and hormonal activities are at their peak.
This curiosity led me to explore the subject in depth, and through my research, I discovered that Islamic fasting indeed offers remarkable physiological and health benefits. Motivated by these findings, I felt compelled to summarize and share them in this article.
Islamic fasting, observed during the holy month of Ramadan, involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). It is a commandment from Allah to Muslims and mentioned in both the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Scientific Benefits of Islamic Fasting:
Recently, this practice has been the subject of numerous scientific and medical studies highlighting its potential health benefits. Below is a comprehensive overview of these benefits, supported by relevant studies and publications.
The following are examples of such studies:
1. Enhancement of Autophagy: Autophagy is a cellular process that removes damaged cells and regenerates new ones, playing a crucial role in maintaining cellular health. A study conducted by researchers at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences investigated the effects of 30-day Ramadan fasting on the autophagy pathway in healthy individuals. The findings indicated a significant upregulation of Beclin-1 gene expression, a key marker in the initiation of autophagy, suggesting that Ramadan fasting enhances the body's autophagic processes, and thus destroys damaged cells including sick cells and tumor cells.
2. Improved Metabolic Health: Intermittent fasting, akin to Ramadan fasting, has been associated with various metabolic benefits, including:
• Blood Sugar Control: A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that participants practicing intermittent fasting had better blood sugar regulation compared to those following usual eating patterns.
• Lipid Profile: Research has shown that fasting during Ramadan can lead to favorable changes in serum lipid levels, including reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides, thereby supporting cardiovascular health.
3. Weight Management: Several studies have demonstrated the potential of Ramadan fasting in promoting weight loss:
• A systematic review and meta-analysis highlighted that individuals observing Ramadan fasting experienced significant weight loss, attributed to reduced caloric intake and changes in meal frequency.
• Another study noted that participants practicing intermittent fasting consumed approximately 350 fewer calories daily, leading to weight loss and improved metabolic health.
4. Reduction in Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is linked to various diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Fasting during Ramadan has been associated with reduced markers of inflammation, suggesting a potential protective effect against inflammatory-related conditions.
5. Cardiovascular Benefits: Ramadan fasting has been observed to positively influence heart health:
• Blood Pressure: Some studies have reported reductions in blood pressure during Ramadan fasting, contributing to cardiovascular health.
• Lipid Levels: Improvements in lipid profiles, such as decreased LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol, have been documented during Ramadan fasting.
6. Enhanced Brain Function: Animal studies suggest that fasting may protect against neurodegenerative diseases by enhancing brain function and promoting neuronal autophagy. While more research is needed in humans, these findings are promising regarding cognitive health.
7. Potential Anti-Cancer Effects: Fasting has been linked to the inhibition of cancer cell growth in animal studies. The enhancement of autophagy during fasting may contribute to the removal of damaged cells, thereby reducing the risk of cancer development.
8. Detoxification: By promoting autophagy, fasting aids in the removal of toxins and damaged cellular components, contributing to overall detoxification and cellular repair processes.
9. Hormonal Regulation: Fasting influences various hormonal functions:
• Insulin Sensitivity: Improved insulin sensitivity has been observed during fasting periods, aiding in better glucose uptake and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Human Growth Hormone (HGH): Increased secretion of HGH during fasting supports muscle strength, metabolism, and overall health.
10. Longevity: Some studies suggest that fasting may extend lifespan by promoting metabolic health, reducing inflammation, and enhancing autophagy. While more research is needed, these findings indicate a potential link between fasting and increased longevity.
In conclusion, Islamic fasting during Ramadan encompasses various health benefits, including enhanced autophagy, improved metabolic health, weight management, reduced inflammation, cardiovascular benefits, potential neuroprotective and anti-cancer effects, detoxification, hormonal regulation, and possibly increased longevity. These findings are supported by numerous scientific studies and publications, highlighting the profound impact of fasting on overall health. I am listing some scientific references and publications below for more details on the topics.
I Rest my Case..!
Was this Article helpful? Please let us know your opinion and thoughts in the comment section below.
References:
1. Autophagy and Cellular Repair:
• Alirezaei, M., Kemball, C. C., Flynn, C. T., Wood, M. R., Whitton, J. L., & Kiosses, W. B. (2010). Short-term fasting induces profound neuronal autophagy. Autophagy, 6(6), 702-710. DOI: 10.4161/auto.6.6.12376.
• Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Autophagy Pathways. mbrc.shirazu.ac.ir
2. Metabolic Health and Blood Sugar Control:
• Sutton, E. F., Beyl, R., Early, K. S., Cefalu, W. T., Ravussin, E., & Peterson, C. M. (2018). Early Time-Restricted Feeding Improves Insulin Sensitivity, Blood Pressure, and Oxidative Stress Even Without Weight Loss in Men with Prediabetes. Cell Metabolism, 27(6), 1212-1221. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.04.010.
• Albostan, A., & Demir, C. (2021). Effect of Ramadan fasting on blood glucose control and lipid profile in healthy and diabetic individuals. Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, 20(2), 1015-1023. DOI: 10.1007/s40200-021-00816-6.
3. Cardiovascular Health and Lipid Profile:
• Nematy, M., Alinezhad-Namaghi, M., Rashed, M. M., Mozhdehifard, M., Sajjadi, S. S., & Akhlaghi, S. (2012). Effects of Ramadan fasting on cardiovascular risk factors: A prospective study in healthy and hyperlipidemic subjects. Nutrition Journal, 11, 69. DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-11-69.
• Ziaee, V., Razaei, M., Ahmadinejad, Z., Shaikh, H., Yousefi, R., Yarmohammadi, L., & Bozorgi, F. (2006). The changes of metabolic profile and weight during Ramadan fasting. Singapore Medical Journal, 47(5), 409-414. PMID: 16645692.
4. Weight Loss and Obesity Control:
• Antoni, R., Johnston, K. L., Collins, A. L., & Robertson, M. D. (2016). Intermittent fasting improves glucose metabolism and reduces adipose tissue inflammation in humans. Obesity, 24(8), 1874-1883. DOI: 10.1002/oby.21527.
• Trepanowski, J. F., Kroeger, C. M., Barnosky, A., Klempel, M., Bhutani, S., & Varady, K. A. (2017). Effect of alternate-day fasting on weight loss, weight maintenance, and cardioprotection among metabolically healthy obese adults. JAMA Internal Medicine, 177(7), 930-938. DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2017.0936.
5. Anti-Inflammatory and Cancer-Fighting Benefits:
• Longo, V. D., & Mattson, M. P. (2014). Fasting: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Applications. Cell Metabolism, 19(2), 181-192. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2013.12.008.
• Witte, A. V., Fobker, M., Gellner, R., Knecht, S., & Flöel, A. (2009). Caloric restriction improves memory in elderly humans. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(4), 1255-1260. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0808587106.
7. Detoxification and Hormonal Regulation:
• Cahill, G. F., & Owen, O. E. (1968). Starvation and survival. Transactions of the American Clinical and Climatological Association, 79, 13-20. PMID: 5637071.
• Varady, K. A., & Hellerstein, M. K. (2007). Alternate-day fasting and chronic disease prevention: A review of human and animal trials. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 86(1), 7-13. DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/86.1.7.
• Brandhorst, S., Choi, I. Y., Wei, M., Cheng, C. W., Sedrakyan, S., Navarrete, G., ... & Longo, V. D. (2015). A Periodic Diet that Mimics Fasting Promotes Multi-System Regeneration, Enhanced Cognitive Performance, and Healthspan. Cell Metabolism, 22(1), 86-99. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2015.05.012.
6. Neurological Benefits and Brain Health:
• Mattson, M. P., Moehl, K., Ghena, N., Schmaedick, M., & Cheng, A. (2018). Intermittent metabolic switching, neuroplasticity, and brain health. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 19(2), 63-80. DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2017.156.
For Muslims, fasting is one of 5 Pillars of Islam. Although it has those heath benefits, but the it is done in intention to fulfill Allah’s Commandment and seek higher Reward in Paradise life not only worldly life.
ReplyDeleteHere are some Allah’s Rewards of Fasting:
"Allah’s Rewards - Fasting Ramadhan"
Fasting during the month of Ramadhan holds immense significance in Islam, offering numerous rewards from Allah as highlighted in the Qur'an and Authentic Hadiths:
• Forgiveness of Sins: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, "Whoever fasts during Ramadhan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven."
• Opening of Paradise Gates: With the onset of Ramadhan, "the gates of heaven are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained," signifying the abundant mercy available during this month.
• Special Joy for the Fasting Person: The fasting individual experiences two moments of joy: one when breaking the fast and another upon meeting the Lord. Additionally, "the change in the breath of the mouth of the one who fasts is sweeter to Allah than the smell of musk."
• Exclusive Reward from Allah: Allah mentions that every good deed is rewarded ten to seven hundred times, except fasting, which is exclusively for Him, and He will reward it accordingly.
• Intercession on the Day of Judgment: Fasting and the Qur'an will intercede for the believer on the Day of Resurrection, advocating for mercy and forgiveness.
• Entry Through Ar-Rayyan Gate of Paradise: In Paradise, there is a gate called Ar-Rayyan reserved exclusively for those who fasted, through which they will enter on the Day of Resurrection.
• Night Better Than a Thousand Months: Ramadhan contains Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), a night "better than a thousand months," offering unparalleled spiritual rewards.
• Elevation of Good Deeds: Performing voluntary good deeds during Ramadhan equates to the reward of obligatory deeds at other times, and obligatory deeds are rewarded seventy times more.
These are some rewards underscore the significance of fasting during Ramadhan, encouraging believers to seek closeness to Allah and spiritual purification.