Fasting cuts risk of heart attack
…once again suggesting that there is more than a grain of truth in ancient dharmic traditions.
A recent report in Daily Mail reveals that skipping meals once a month could help stave off a heart attack.
In a study conducted by Dr Benjamin Horne, professor of biomedical informatics at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, researchers found that:
“fasting for at least 24 hours cuts the risk of coronary artery disease by up to 40 per cent, compared with those who eat every day…Experts believe the break from food could help ‘re-set’ the body’s metabolism, enabling it to work more efficiently as a result.”
See also: Some stories about the various “vrat”(s) in Hindi.
Unexpected Find of the Day: “Consecration and ascetical regimen: A history of Hindu vrata, diksa, upanayana, and brahmacarya” (Disclaimer: I have not read the full paper yet).
On Fasting and Vrata(s) (Wikipedia).
Related Posts:
Image courtesy: Wikipedia
Dear Shantanu:
You have given some interesting links. I should thank you particularly for the link to vrat stories.
Unfortunately, the full text of the book “Consecration and ascetical regimen” is not available for download. Only excerpts are available.
Anyone interested to learn more on this topic or similar topics may also visit http://www.kamakoti.org/newlayout/template/hindudharma.html
and read ‘Hindu Dharma’ which “is a collection of invaluable and engrossing speeches of Sri Sri Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi MahaSwamiji.”
Regards,
Nandan
Thanks Nandan. I will have a look at the link.
Science reporting in MSM is notoriously bad. They pick the juiciest parts of a study whilst ignoring the caveats that apply to the conclusions. This study for example only established correlation between fasting and cardiac problems in a particular group. It should not be confused with causation.
Fasting for three days can regenerate entire immune system, study finds