6 Why You Should Fast, Even If You Are Muslim

The first hours Friday marked the launch of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslim believers, however, fasting is a practice that can be followed by all because there are significant health benefits.

Why is fasting practiced?

Fasting is practiced for religious and spiritual reasons, and although popular among Muslim believers, it is actually the practice of other religions, such as Christianity, Buddhism, and Judism. Fasting has been a practice in humans during evolution. Because it was often difficult to consume food at all times, as a result, they evolved by being able to stay without food for extended periods of time.

How is he known today?

Nowadays, interrupted fasting is one of the best - known trends in health and finance. This practice is known as Intermittent Facing (IF) and is a pattern of feeding, which is realised in cycles between eating and fasting. The IF does not specify what to eat, but when to eat.

IF Methods

method 16/8: It consists of food consumption over the next eight hours and its suspension for the next 16 hours. So eat enough from 1: 00 p.m.

) <x0 mode It includes fasting for 24 hours; eat for example at lunch; and then eat the next day's lunch.

method 5:2: Based on this method, consume 500-600 during the next two days and then normally eat the other 5 days of the week.

The 16/8 method is more popular, as people find it easier to adapt.

Famous people who have followed this life - style: Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Kardashian, Molly Sims, Hugh Jackman, Hannah Jeter, Halle Berry, Jimmy Kimmel, Justin Therox, Brooke Burke, etc.
Albanian characters: Armina Mevlan, Lori Hoxha and Rudina Dembacaj.

Health benefits

Weight loss: The IF helps burn fat in the abdomen area and not only, without having to limit your consumption of calories knowingly.

Insulin: Fasting lowers blood sugar levels and increases 20-31% of insulin levels, which are important against type 2 diabetes.

Heart Health: Permanent fasting can reduce harmful cholesterol, blood triglycerides, blood sugar.

The fight with cancer: Animal studies have proved that fasting can prevent cancer.

Brain health: Fast increases the BDNF hormone that helps increase new nerve cells. It also affects the fight against Alzheimer's.

The anti-aging effect: It reduces wrinkles and increases life expectancy. Research done in mice concluded that after fasting, these species managed to live 363.8% more than others.

When does the IF not consult?

Intermittent Facting is not for everyone. People with eating disorders should consult with doctors, since there may be risks. Other cases when to consult your doctor before practicing IF:

If you suffer from diabetes
You have low blood pressure
Take medication
You're underweight
Are you trying to get pregnant?
Are you pregnant or breast - feeding

Side effects

Hunger is the main side effect of fasting. You may feel that you do not have enough power. This is temporary, since it takes a while until the body adapts to new meals.

Note: Like any other diet, consult your doctor in advance.

Updated art, published earlier in May 2019.

Sources: Healthline, Medical News Today & US Weekly