Medically reviewed by Dr. Riaz Ali Shah.
The holiest month on the Islamic calendar is starting tomorrow and like every year, all the Muslims are excited to make the most out of it. Ideally, it involves abstaining yourself from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations from dawn to dust in order to increase the consciousness of God. But, apart from a ton of spiritual benefits that Ramazan brings with itself, the health benefits are equally numerous. So, if you are looking to make both your eeman and health better this Ramazan, this article is for you!
· Best weight loss tool
Fasting is hands down the best way to lose all the extra weight, including the belly fat. But, only if you take it slow on those ‘pakoras’ during iftaar! So, fill your hunger pangs with less ‘pakoras’and more fruit chaat to achieve the physique you’ve always dreamt of.
· Keeps your heart young forever
If you are a workaholic, always glued to your computer with a belly rounder than the full moon, you are probably a victim of high cholesterol as well. And, it’s a known fact that high levels of cholesterol can considerably increase the risk of heart diseases. So, when you are fasting, the bad cholesterol is washed out of your body, the triglyceride levels come back to normal and eventually your heart is as healthy as ever!
· A diabetic’s best friend
Bread and rice are our everyday go-to carbs when preparing meals. While they are essential for both our brain and body to keep working, an excess of them can cause the insulin in our bodies to resist which often paves the way towards diabetes type 2 and other chronic diseases. According to a study published in the world journal of diabetes, fasting in adults with diabetes type 2 improved both the body weight and blood glucose levels. So, if you are a diabetic, this Ramadan, plan on keeping your meals low on carbs and let this holy month bless you religiously!
· Can make you a brainiac
According to a study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences Journal, intermittent fasting (which we do in Ramazan) can improve the cognitive function of the brain. Now you may ask why? That’s because it increases the amount of a factor called the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor which is linked to enhancements in learning, memory and overall intelligence. Therefore, don’t worry if you or your sibling/kid is giving finals this Ramazan, because all it’s gonna do is help you become a brainiac!
Intermittent fasting is the new ‘it’ thing for fitness fanatics. While it’s an obligation for Muslims, their undying love for fried foods and unhealthy snacks becomes a hurdle for them in staying healthy. Let’s hope that the above-mentioned benefits can make us understand the plan of God in keeping us both spiritually and physically sound and help us in choosing fruit chaat over golgappas every other day!
Guest Post Credits: Dr. Maleeha Syed
