Fasting is not easy! Everyone knows that! But, did you know there are actually benefits to fasting? At this time of the year specifically when the Jewish people fast on Yom Kippur, I thought it would be appropriate to discuss the advantages of fasting. To everyone who may not be as religious as me and may not fast the entire 25 hours on Yom Kippur, pay attention because this may change your mind.
Fasting has personal health benefits many people are unaware of. For example, studies have shown that fasting can improve blood sugar control, which would help with people who are at risk for diabetes. Also, fasting can improve the health of one’s heart by reducing the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, helping people who may be at risk for heart diseases, which by the way is the number one cause of death in America. Furthermore, studies on animals, specifically mice, have shown that fasting can improve brain function and brain health, leaving the individual at less of a risk for mental disorders such as Alzheimers or Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, a more obvious benefit to fasting is weight loss. Although this is difficult for many people seeking to lose weight, it has been proven to work by limiting the amount of calorie intake for that individual and boosting their metabolism. This is how many UFC fighters make weight before a big fight. Ultimately, fasting has many unknown health benefits many are unaware of, and also has mental benefits as well. If you have ever completed the Yom Kippur fast or other difficult ones on different holidays, then you know what I am talking about. It takes a lot of will power and mental strength to be able to push past your body pain and tell your mind that you can accomplish your goal. This is why in the Army Rangers they basically starve you all throughout the training to weave out the mentally weak. So, by fasting you know you become mentally stronger as well, building a callus in your mind. Do you want to try it out?
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fasting-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
I agree with you that fasting is something that can be very beneficial towards our health, and so fasting is something that I already do. I have been fasting for the past 5 or 6 years now.
ReplyDeleteHi Ethan, I found your blog post very helpful because I was able to learn more of the health benefits involved with fasting. I've already been fasting for around 5 years now and I feel like it gets a little easier every year. I like the fact that it gets me out of my comfort zone, which makes people mentally stronger. Thanks for the link, I also checked out intermittent fasting.
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