Navratri 2023: The Science Behind Fasting During The 9-Days, Check Benefits

Navratri means nine nights- a Hindu festival celebrated across India. The fasting period may differ for everyone but it also has many health benefits. Here we bring you the science behind observing Navratri fasts and how it impacts our body, read on.

Chaitra Navratri 2023: Since Chaitra Navratri have already begun marking the first quarter of 2023. So intensify your preparations and get ready for one of the most significant Hindu festivals. It is a nine-day festival during which people fast and worship the goddess Durga. This nine-day celebration is tied to the worshipping of the Goddess in her 9 distinct forms.

The most auspicious festival in India, Navratri, is being celebrated across India. Navratri is celebrated through nine days of fasting and devotion. Maa  Durga and her nine Navadurga avatars are the sole focus of these nine days. Every day is attributed to a different goddess form. They worship the divine energy and celebrate Navratri with relentless fervour, devotion, and excitement.

When Is Navratri?

Navratri takes place twice every year with the exception of 'Gupt Navratri' which makes it a total of four Navratri in the annual Gregorian calendar. However, Navratri celebrations and observing of fast take place twice annually- Chaitra Navratri (March-April) and Shardiya Navratri (September-October), which also is the transition phase from one Ritu(season) to another; an important junction of climate change.

The Science Behind Navratri Fasting

Due to the earth's tilted axis at 23.5 degrees, we experience seasonal changes. This is the reason we experience small or big adjustments in our sleep cycles since the day and night duration vary both times. 

The Equinoxes and Solstices are directly related to the change of seasons throughout the year. Equinox means "equal night" in the literal sense. Our biological cycles (sleep-wake cycle) undergo modifications and reconcile throughout Navratri. And it is observed majorly during the Hindu month of Chaitra and Shardiya that significant weather changes take place i.e from spring to summer and autumn to winter.

Our immunity declines as the seasons change. There is evidence that the immune system is weakened by exposure to cold/hot temperatures. A study found that the makeup of our blood and fat, as well as our immune cells, are all impacted by the seasons.

They practise intermittent fasting (upvas) for these nine days and eat satvik food. Saatvik foods are considered as being pure, and wholesome, and facilitate peacefulness. They also aid in cleansing and provide rest for the digestive system. 

Experts suggest to detoxify your body, you can fast during Navratri, in accordance with scientific facts. One is meant to provide their digestive systems with a break by eating light for a week or perhaps only once a week. Fasting allows the intestines to cleanse and strengthens its lining.

Impact Of Fasting On Our Body

Many studies have been conducted that have proven to support that fasting has many advantages. Most importantly, fasting aids in toxin removal and enhances the body's digestive system.

The absence of the normal glucose supply during the fast causes the body to start gluconeogenesis, which forces blood cells to make energy. The body produces sugar as a natural mechanism. Moreover, the liver assists in the conversion of non-carbohydrate substances like lipids, amino acids, and lactate into glucose energy. The body's efficiency is increased during a fast because energy is conserved and the metabolism, heart rate, and blood pressure slow down.

The body also goes through a quick cycle called ketosis, which burns fat reserves. Since stored lipids are the main energy source during this fast, it is perfect for reducing weight and stabilising blood sugar levels.

Fasting causes a modest amount of stress on the body, which helps cells adapt and improves their resistance to many diseases and outside threats. This is the same as how muscles are built. During workouts, we put a lot of strain on our muscles and cardiovascular system, and after a period of rest and recovery, our bodies get stronger. Because of these reasons, short-term fasting is advised and has numerous positive effects on health.

The Ayurveda Behind Navratri Fasting

According to Ayurveda, foods are divided into 3 categories- Rajasic foods, Tamasic foods, and Saatvik foods. Rajas and Tamas are described as unripe, weak, spiteful, and harmful entities while Saatvik implies pure, natural, fresh, clean, and energetic.

People eat saatvik foods when fasting. But, there is a scientific explanation for it in addition to the religious one. Our immunity typically degrades with the change in seasons. Thus, switching to a Satvik diet during this season allows your digestion to relax and release any toxins from your body.

What are saatvik foods?

The word sattva, which means something pure, authentic, vital, clean, energetic, and cognizant, is the root of the word saatvik. Fresh fruits, curd, rock salt, seasonal vegetables, and delicate spices like coriander and black pepper are examples of satvik meals.

Benefits of Fasting

- It helps to improve blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance.

- Fasting helps to normalize the immune process to fight off infections

- It improves blood pressure, cholesterol levels and overall heart health

- It has a powerful effect of fasting on brain health.

- Fasting is a quick option to limit calorie intake and improves metabolism rate helping to lose weight naturally. 

- Fasting helps to increase the level of human growth hormones. 

- Fasting slows down the DNA degradation process and accelerates its repair by increasing the antioxidant level.

So let's acknowledge the changes and use this time to establish a connection between individual consciousness with the divine. Moreover, keep in mind that one should not force themselves to fast because it is a matter of personal belief, do not force yourself and keep starving without understanding the nature of it all.

(This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)