Why Fasting is helpful?
Fasting is a practice of skipping daily meals for a certain period, such as a few hours or even a day or two. It has been practiced for centuries for various religious and cultural purposes. For example, Hindus fast during Full Moon and Navratri, Muslims during Ramadan, Catholics on Good Fridays, and many other traditions across different religions worldwide. However, in recent times, people have started fasting for health reasons. Researchers say that fasting provides numerous health benefits. Following are the 10 surprising benefits that will motivate you to practice fasting:
1. Fasting Helps You Lose Weight
People looking to lose weight can find fasting a quick and safe method. Normally, the body burns food for energy and stores extra food as fat. When fasting, there is less food to convert into energy, so the body starts converting stored fats into energy, a process known as lipolysis.
2. Fasting Promotes Longevity
Studies have shown that fasting can help you live longer. Here’s why:
- Metabolism: Fasting boosts metabolism, aiding in the generation of muscle tissues, which often decline with age.
- Cells: Fasting triggers a process called autophagy, where cells recycle themselves to rejuvenate the mitochondria.
- Hormones: Fasting stimulates the release of growth hormone, increasing bone strength, protein synthesis, and muscle mass.
3. Promotes Detoxification
Additives in food create fat in the body. During fasting, nutritional deprivation triggers the metabolism to neutralize these harmful additives.
4. Fasting Speeds Up Metabolism
A weak digestive system gets time to rest and prepare itself to efficiently burn food and convert it into energy.
5. Boosts Your Brain Function
Fasting boosts the production of the BNDF hormone, which activates stem cells and converts them into neurons, while also reducing overactivity in the brain.
6. Improves Your Immune System
The rejuvenation of cells during fasting leads to improved immune function as old cells are regenerated, and fat is burned.
7. Fasting Rejuvenates the Skin and Prevents Acne
Fasting allows the body to focus on organs like the liver, kidneys, and skin. It helps eliminate toxins that contribute to skin-related issues.
8. Improves Insulin Sensitivity
Fasting helps lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity, which can be beneficial for managing Type 2 diabetes.
9. Fasting May Help Prevent Cancer
Fasting can help prevent cancer and tumors by eliminating toxins from cells and reducing the risk of uncontrolled cellular growth.
10. Fasting is Good for Your Heart
Fasting lowers the risk of Type 2 diabetes and burns LDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
