Fasting
Fasting turned out to have medical benefits.
The 2016 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Japan's Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi for his discoveries of the underlying mechanisms of a physiological process called autophagy. Autophagy is a natural process by which the body degrades and recycles damaged cells, proteins and toxins. Autophagy comes from two Greek words, auto meaning "self" and phagy meaning "to eat." This is the body's way of cleaning house. It happens during starvation, calorie restriction, and fasting. If the body fails to engage in autophagy, damaged cells and structures can accumulate dangerously. Autophagy is one method that the body uses to naturally neutralize cancer cells and degrade cells infected by harmful bacteria and viruses... Today, we are learning that intermittent fasting can deliver numerous health benefits. Overeating can cause significant harm, including increased risks of cardiovascular, weight, blood sugar, brain, mood and other health concerns. Intermittent fasting, on the other hand, has been linked to numerous health benefits, including:
1. Decreased diabetes risk
2. Decreased cardiovascular risk
3. Improved longevity
4. Protection against cancer
5. Reduced risk of neurological concerns
6. Decreased inflammation
7. Balanced lipid levels
8. Reduced blood pressure
9. Reduced oxidative stress
10. Balanced weight
LifeSpa, Fasting Research Wins Nobel Prize in Medicine. Is it Right for You?, John Douillard, 2018
In the Quran fasting is an obligation but also adds "But to fast is best for you, if you only knew."
Quran 2.183-184 O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous. For a specified number of days. But whoever among you is sick, or on a journey, then a number of other days. For those who are able: a ransom of feeding a needy person. But whoever volunteers goodness, it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.
There are also medical benefits to fasting. In a study done by the Egyptian Institute for Qur’an and Science, doctors recommended fasting due to its benefits in giving the digestive system a rest. For example, it is recognized that fasting is one of the best treatments for acidity in the stomach as well as inflammation of the large intestines. In addition, fasting can strengthen the skin and bones, reduce the risk of gall bladder stones, improve heart function and blood circulation. It can also help with weight loss, making the body lighter on the heart and the bones, specifically the back, legs and feet.
Fasting can enhance one’s mental health by aiding in the alleviation of depression and stress. The senses, such as taste, hearing, touching, and smelling, as well as mind functions, such as memory, significantly improve. There is also an association between fasting and improved fertility in females. An individual becomes less prone to acquiring illnesses such as anemia and even common colds, in a study done by world scientist Eaton Sinclair.
However, fasting has not been prescribed by God simply for dietary reasons. Rather, fasting is an act of worship to God in order to teach mankind self-restraint. In addition to restraining from food and drink, the individual must work on being more patient and forgiving. Muslims are required to refrain from useless talk, be kinder and more generous to others, and utilize and construct time wisely. Since each minute, in essence, is a form of worship to God, the fasting person becomes more aware of their words and actions. Fasting really places the world in perspective and allows one to understand and value his or her existence
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