Fasting – A quest for health and perfection
We often overlook the fact that many religious principles were perhaps born out of practical concern for our health as much as a spiritual quest or divine harmony, though they are presented and interpreted as such.
Islam and Judaism for example both prohibit the consumption of pork because it is considered impure in both the Old Testament and the Koran. Who knows if this precept took hold because of exaggerated fear of parasitic contamination, or because people thought the meat was too greasy and difficult to digest in a hot climate.
Another practice which continues even today in more secular society is the practice of fasting, such as Ramada for Muslims, or lent for Christians, or other types of abstinence for brief periods. More than once scientists have pointed out that eating less can lead to a longer life. It’s not too hard to understand that if the liver works less, and arterial obstruction is avoided it’s good for health. Studies have also shown that a short monthly fast can be beneficial for health.
During the fasts during lent, the period of 40 days before Easter, Catholics and some orthodox and evangelical Christians consume only one daily meal, while during Ramadam, Muslims are only allowed to eat after sundown. Mormons fast the first Sunday of the month. Total abstinence from food may be very difficult to carry out if you work or participate in sports, as fasting can cause not only a feeling of physical weakness but also difficulty concentrating.
We think they might be on to something, daresay this partial fast seems like a good idea: giving up certain foods for example, for a period of 40 days, like in lent. For example, we could give up those tasty chocolate cookies we always have for dessert with our lunch. Not to worry, breakfast and lunch will give you all the calories your body needs to work without any problems. Summer is fast approaching and you should have already begun “operation bikini.” You wouldn’t want to have to give up your vacations on the coast in stupendous apartments in Malaga just because you don’t fit into your bathing suit?
