Although fasting is associated with devotion in Hinduism, but let us tell you that it is a very easy and successful activity to stay healthy, many scientists from all over the world are continuously researching and studying the benefits of fasting. Studies have shown that intermittent fasting can have a variety of health benefits, from weight loss to lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Mark Mattson, head of the Neuroscience Laboratory at the US-based National Institute on Aging and professor of neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University, has been researching this topic for many years.
By fasting, the heart, muscles, intestines and other parts of the body are able to function better and it also increases the power of the brain. According to Professor Mark, the brain is successful in preventing neurodegenerative (nervous system or nervous system related diseases with increasing age) due to reduced energy consumption during fasting. Due to this, the mood remains pleasant and memory also increases.
Following are the major benefits of fasting (Vrat):
- Feeling fresh and energetic.
- Improving all body processes.
- Removing lethargy and increasing energy.
- Proper discharge of urine and excreta from the body.
- Balance of taste, hunger, thirst, and sleep.
Only healthy people should fast-
In the opinion of Dr. DK Aggarwal, Senior Nephrologist, Apollo Hospital, Delhi, fasting once in a week or fortnight can be beneficial for healthy individuals. And fasting of an unwell person can create trouble for him.
Fasting is harmful for people suffering from diabetes-
According to Dr. Ambareesh Mittal, endocrinologist, Medanta The Medicity, Gurugram, fasting is harmful for people who are diabetic, fasting can also have adverse effects on the health of many people.