4 Benefits of Fasting for Halth Body

Fasting, either due to religious obligation as well as health reasons, has a variety of physical and mental benefits for you. The effects of fasting are you most familiar with is probably the weight down. But the benefits of fasting for health is actually more than that. What is the most important influence on our body and health?


1. Lose weight

The time of fasting, the body does not receive any intake for more than 12 hours. However phase "fast" which actually started since our digestive system finished digesting the whole nutrients that are present in the body. This process occurred approximately 8 hours after the last meal goes into our body.

After the finished food is digested, the body will start using energy reserves contained in our organs. Under normal circumstances, reserves of glucose that is stored in the liver and muscles in the form of glycogen are our main source of energy. While fasting glucose reserves will be used first as a source of energy. After backup the glucose in the liver and muscles are depleted, then the fat will be a source of energy for the body.

With the use of fat as an energy source, then the levels of fat in the body can be reduced. Reduced fat levels can help reduce weight.


2. Reduce the risk of developing the disease

Because our body while fasting can use fat as a primary source, then the process of detoxification can also occur. This is due to the toxins stored in fat will be removed from our body in conjunction with the use of fat as a fuel of the body.

In addition, a study conducted in Utah in 2008 showed that those who regularly fasted had a lower risk for heart disease because of the use of fat as the main source of energy the body can lose cholesterol. Decrease the cholesterol can reduce the risk of developing heart disease by up to 58%.


3. Help eliminate addiction

Fasting gives the opportunity for the body to take a break from our daily eating habits. This can help us in reducing addiction to certain types of food such as sugar or coffee.

For example, if you're used to in the daytime should always drink coffee when fasting You "forced" not to drink coffee, and this habit can get carried away until later when lent is over.

As well as those who love eating sweet treats on the sidelines of activity, then when the habit of fasting cannot be done. Therefore, the benefits of fasting for physical health usually comes from the lack of caffeine and sugar consumption that comes from sugary foods.


4. Make you happier

You could be so fast because the obligation in religion, but the social traditions that occur during fasting can provide advantages for you. May have already become a habit for you assemble and Suhoor or Iftar together with family and relatives.

As quoted from NBC News, according to a psychological Susan Jones, involved in the activities and traditions during fasting can help families and relatives to be closer to each other. This can help those suffering from conditions such as depression.

In addition, after fasting for several days, the benefits of fasting for mental health will also be felt more because the body will produce the hormone levels of endorphins that are higher than normal. This can help improve concentration and makes you feel better and happy mentally.

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