Do you know, fasting is not only a religious obligation but it has many health benefits as well! It promotes elimination of toxins from the body, reduces blood sugar and fat stores. Benefits include reduced risks of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, insulin resistance, immune disorders, and more generally, the slowing of the ageing process, and the potential to increase maximum life span.
Let us have a look at top 10 health benefits you can derive from fasting.
1. Promotes Detoxification
The act of fasting promotes detoxification, since fat is burned and toxins are released. As the body breaks down its fat reserves, it mobilizes and eliminates stored toxins.
2. Gives Rest to Digestive System
During fasting, the digestive organs rest. Fasting gives the digestive system a much-needed rest. After fasting, both digestion and elimination are invigorated.
3. Improves Insulin Sensitivity
Fasting improves insulin sensitivity (which is a very big deal). When your cells are tickled by the effects of insulin, they do a much better job modulating your blood sugar levels after meals and this makes life a lot easier for your poor old pancreas.
4. Boosts Immunity
Fasting boosts immunity if one is careful not to break their fast with an abnormally excessive amount of food. Fruits contain vitamins A and E which boost immunity so one should take care of their balanced diet in between fasts if this is to take place. Fruits should be eaten a lot while breaking the fast.
5. Help to Overcome Addictions
Fasting makes it easy to overcome bad habits and addictions. Many people have overcome tobacco and alcohol addictions by fasting, and even drug addictions. Fasting rapidly dissipates the craving for nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and other drugs.
6. Corrects High Blood Pressure
Fasting corrects high blood pressure without drugs. Fasting will normalize blood pressure in the vast majority of cases; the blood pressure will remain low after the fast, if the person follows a health-supporting diet and lifestyle.
7. Resolves Inflammatory Response
Some studies show that fasting triggers resolution of inflammatory diseases and allergies, examples of such being arthritis and skin diseases such as psoriasis. Some experts even suggest that fasting could magically heal the inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis.
8. Promotes Weight Loss
Fasting initiates rapid weight loss with little or no hunger. It reduces the store of fats in the body. However fasting is not a good weight loss strategy. Reducing fat and sugar intake, and increasing fruits and rest are better measures to achieve weight reduction.
9. Clears the Skin and Whitens the Eyes
Fasting clears the skin and whitens the eyes. It is common to see skin eruptions clear while fasting, and the whites of the eyes never look so clear and bright as they do after fasting.
10. Fasting Promotes Healthy Diet
Fasting is a perfect gateway to a healthful diet and lifestyle. Going on a fast gives you the motivation and enthusiasm to make a fresh start. It promotes desire for natural foods, especially water and fruits.
