Navratri Begins: Know the Health Benefits of Fasting

One of the most revered Indian festivals, Navratri marks goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. The festival is celebrated over nine nights and ten days, and all nine nights are dedicated to the nine manifestations of the goddess. Devotees all around the nation may observe fasts, making Navratri an excellent time to revisit your dietary habits. This Navratri, let us learn the many health benefits of fasting.

Fasting During Navratri

Fasting rituals vary from person to person. For instance, some people only drink water while others only eat fruits or consume one meal a day. However, the following is a general guide on what you can and cannot consume during your Navratri fast.

What you can consume	What you cannot consume
Seasonal vegetables	Garlic
Leafy vegetables	Legumes
Milk	Lentils
Yogurt	Rice flour
Ghee	Refined flour
Cottage cheese	Whole wheat flour
Buckwheat	Semolina
Tapioca	Meat
Water chestnut flour	Fish
Millet	Eggs
Peanuts	Alcohol
Dry fruits & nuts	Tobacco

Health Benefits of Fasting During Navratri

The following are scientifically–backed health benefits of fasting:

Improves heart health

Fasting lowers high blood pressure and reduces triglycerides and bad cholesterol levels. This, in turn, lowers the risk of coronary heart disease.

Aids weight loss

By fasting, you essentially reduce your calorie intake. Research shows that short–term fasting, like during Navratri, increases the norepinephrine levels in the body. Norepinephrine functions like a neurotransmitter that boosts metabolism and aids weight loss.

Fights inflammation

Inflammation is a normal immune response to fend off bacteria and viruses. However, chronic inflammation can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Fasting lowers inflammation by reducing oxidative stress in cells and promotes better health.

Promotes blood sugar control

Fasting decreases your body’s insulin resistance and allows the body to transfer glucose from the bloodstream to the cells, thus regulating. steady blood sugar levels. However, since fasting impacts insulin levels, people with diabetes, high blood pressure, and pregnant and lactating women must consult their doctors if they choose to fast.

Improves hormone secretion

The body requires human growth hormone (HGH) for muscle and bone growth. HGH also boosts metabolism and keeps your heart healthy. Fasting can increase the production of HGH in the pituitary glands. Maintenance of insulin levels due to fasting can also increase HGH production.

Improves brain function

Fasting may boost the production of abrineurin, a brain–derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is responsible for producing chemicals that improve your neural health. Fasting also reduces the risk of age–related neurodegenerative conditions.

Fasting and health insurance

When done right, fasting can reduce the risk of many diseases. However, no health regimen can entirely eliminate sudden health scares. The treatment costs for some illnesses can drain your life savings. Therefore, you should protect yourself with health insurance. Health insurance provides financial cover for expenses associated with treating various conditions. You can also get insurance for critical illnesses like cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Your insurance provider offers coverage up to the sum insured and you can file claims after riding out the waiting period.

This Navratri look to Goddess Durga to make wise investment decisions. Protect yourself and your loved ones with health insurance.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.