9 minutes agoAuthor: Gaurav Tiwari
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3 October That means Shardiya Navratri is starting from today. In this, different goddesses are worshiped for 9 days. Every day of Navratri symbolizes a different power and accomplishment. People observe fast to please all the goddesses and to achieve all the achievements like happiness and prosperity in life.
The fasting tradition has been going on for centuries. It is as old as the history of man on this earth. When grains were not discovered, humans used to go out hunting in search of food. A hunt required continuous hard work for hours and days. Once the hunt was done it was time for fisting. Then when the food would end, the time of fasting would begin because man did not know when he would get the next food, the next prey. The fasting time could range from one day to 10 days.
Apart from this, whenever any natural disaster occurred, hunting became a more difficult task in those days. It was believed that nature was angry and due to its wrath they were not able to get food. Therefore, to please nature, they used to observe fast by giving up food.
When civilization flourished and different religions came into existence, this fasting tradition took a religious form. However, in human history, fasting has been more a symbol of self-discipline, self-restraint and introspection than a religious ritual.
During this period, great care was also taken regarding food habits. During this period, only natural things got a place in the food.
so today ‘medical certificate‘ We will know how beneficial Navratri fasting is for our health. You will also learn that-
- What kind of fasting traditions are there in all the religions of the world?
- Does science also consider fasting beneficial?
- How to plan Navratri fast for good health?
In this article, we will understand in detail the history of fasting, its scientific analysis and the correct way of eating during this period. Before this, see in the graphic, the big benefits of Navratri fast.
Let us understand the science behind the points given in the graphic:
- Beneficial in weight management: During fasting, fat burning process in the body increases and weight decreases.
- Detoxification of the body: By giving up food or consuming it in less quantity, the process of autophagy occurs in the body, which detoxifies the body.
- Improves digestive system: By reducing the workload on the digestive system, it gets a chance to rest. This strengthens the digestive system.
- Blood pressure remains under control: Blood pressure remains under control by taking a healthy diet and reducing salt intake.
- Heart health improves: Keeping blood pressure under control and reducing triglycerides and cholesterol levels improves heart health.
- Inflammation reduces: Inflammation decreases due to reduction in C-reactive protein during fasting.
- Brain function improves: Fasting speeds up nerve cell synthesis, which speeds up and improves brain function.
- Stress is reduced: Eating simple food during fasting reduces stress level.
- Sleep well: Eating limited quantity or avoiding food in the evening during the fast gives rest to the digestive system and leads to better sleep.
- Get longer life: By fasting, all the body parts get a chance to rest. The functioning of the body becomes organized. This increases both health and lifespan.
Fasting tradition meets scientific standards
By giving up food or eating minimal food during fasting, a special process takes place in our body, which is called ‘autophagy’. Understand it this way, when our body does not get enough energy from food due to fasting, then the body gathers energy by eating its weakest and damaged cells. As a result, the healthiest cells remain in the body and we become completely healthy. Japanese scientist Yoshinori Ohsumi received the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2016 for explaining the science and benefits behind this process.
People observe three fasts together during Navratri.
During Navratri, people not only exercise restraint regarding food, but also observe three fasts simultaneously. During this, purity of mind, words and deeds is taken care of. Due to this, both physical and mental health remains good.
In Kaika Vrat one has to give up physical violence. One has to be careful not to do anything that can harm anyone. In Vachik Vrat, only true words have to be spoken. Apart from this, one should not speak such words which might hurt someone. In mental fasting one has to give up thoughts like lust, anger and greed.
See the graphic:
Take special care of food during Navratri fast
During Navratri, special care has to be taken about food along with worship for 9 days. Generally, the rules of fasting are such that it benefits health. If we do a little planning in advance for Navratri fasting, there can be many benefits to our health. See the graphic, what to do and what not to do during this time.
- While planning meals, it is important to choose such food items which will keep the body energetic.
- During this period, include liquid items in the diet, so that the body remains hydrated.
- Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet so that the body gets plenty of fiber.
- To enhance the taste of food, you can add lemon juice to it. This will also strengthen the immune system.
There is fasting tradition in every religion
There is a tradition of fasting in all religions and all civilizations of the world. Even before religion was created, people all over the world used to keep fast. When this practice became a part of religion, its methods and reasons changed. The basic scientific objective behind all this is good physical health. There is a fasting tradition in all the religions of the country and the world. See the graphic below.
