Ramadaan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, has been welcomed and celebrated by Muslims for the last 14 centuries. This practice of abstaining from food and drink from dawn till dusk for 30 days, holds great significance in the life of a Muslim, both spiritually and physically.

 

For those not familiar with this practice, the idea of abstaining from food and drink for 12 hours a day may seem daunting. Many religions have encouraged fasting to some degree and the practice of intermittent fasting for non-religious purposes is fast gaining popularity. This is due to its significant benefits on the body and mind:

 

Weight Loss:

Many people choose fasting to aid in weight loss. By consuming fewer meals, one’s daily calorie intake may be significantly reduced. Furthermore, growth hormones responsible for burning fats are increased in the blood which also contributes towards weight loss.

 

Insulin Levels & Diabetes:

Fasting reduces blood sugar levels which have beneficial impacts on insulin resistance and diabetes.

A study in diabetic rats showed that  fasting protected against kidney damage, which is considered to be one of the most severe complications of diabetes.

 

Heart Health:

Fasting improves risk factors such as blood pressure, inflammatory markers and blood sugar levels which are beneficial in improving and maintaining heart health.

 

Healthy brain function:

As previously mentioned, fasting causes a reduction in blood sugar, insulin resistance, inflammatory markers and oxidative stress which leads to improved brain function.

 

Apart from these remarkable physical benefits, fasting also has significant introspective benefits. Ramadaan provides the opportunity to exercise self-control, develop self-awareness and practice compassion and gratitude.

Fasting helps is us to understand the plight of those less fortunate that face hunger on a daily basis due to poverty. In so doing, we are encouraged to show compassion and kindness and feed the needy with utmost kindness and respect.

Apart from compassion towards others, fasting also gives us the opportunity to show compassion towards ourselves, particularly our bodies. It’s a time to honour our bodies and treat it with due love and respect. By exercising this level of self-control and discipline, fasting provides us with the opportunity to break away from the habit of unconscious eating and to reevaluate our choices, both with regards to food and life in general. It truly serves as a unique and holistic approach to physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

We take this opportunity to wish all Muslims well over the month of Ramadaan. May we all continue to be inspired by and remain united by our passion for health and wellbeing.

 

– Masoodha Kajee, Eat Better South Africa coordinator.