No, there isn't, and I demand citations/links. The double blind tests would be worth more, I'm tired of the "tests" like creationist do. They take a conclusion and try and make the evidence fit (not how science works).
Agreed, but there are not enough corruption laws in sharia law. I also hope Iran gives their president the boot.
As for the disease problems and infant deaths, superstition is to blame for that (and hygienic problems like clean water). This acceptance of "fate" and "design" are killing practicing muslims my the millions. A immunization shot against strong viruses will work, praying will not (Also the power of prayer has been dis proven (
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12082681/).
Restraint from food, water and undesirable behavior makes a person more mentally disciplined and less prone to unhealthy behavior. Researchers in Jordan found a significant reduction of parasuicidal cases during the month of Ramadan. In the United Kingdom, the Ramadan model has been used by various health agencies to reduce cigarette smoking, especially among Africans and Asians.
However, there are choices we can make to be healthier about fasting.
First of all, too many people, ironically, eat too much when they're not fasting. Scientific studies reveal that some people overeat during Ramadan, a phenomenon that contradicts the essential spirit of Ramadan. Studies indicate that health problems can emerge as a result of eating too much or eating a diet that isn't balanced. The body has regulatory mechanisms that activate during fasting, and we don't need to overeat to get our body the nutrients it needs. Scientific studies have shown that there our bodies efficiently utilize the body fat typically available in most of our bodies.
During Ramadan, research has shown that the basal metabolism of fasting subjects slows down. A person can stay healthy and active during Ramadan consuming a diet that is less than the normal amount of calories or food intake but balanced in nutrients.
There is no universal healthy diet for fasting because of global differences in the fasting period, the weather, daily temperature, food availability, lifestyle, cultural habits and other details. But to get the best health and spiritual benefits when fasting, it's critical to have a diet balanced in protein, essential minerals, vitamins and physiological and protective factors such as dietary fiber and antioxidant compounds.
To start with, it's important in any faith not to miss the meal you eat before the fast begins. In Islam, it's said the Prophet Muhammad used to have a light "sahur," the pre-dawn meal Muslims eat before the fast. For me, a bowl of Raisin Bran has always served the purpose. A cereal high in wheat bran or oatmeal is a great source of dietary fibers including cellulose, hemicelluloses and other non-digestable complex carbohydrates and lignin, which provides bulk and facilitates motality in the digestive tract. As a result, many harmful and toxic compounds are expunged from the body.
Alas, milk, a protein, is a kind of dehydrant. It's critical to have extra glasses of water to avoid dehydration. Extra water is also needed to flush out urea, protein's catabolic product, from the body. That's true of all protein rich foods.
When breaking the fast in any faith, it's important to consume an easily available energy source in the form of simple sugars such as glucose and fructose that nourishes every living cell, particularly the brain and nerve cells. Dates and juices are good sources of these sugars. Indeed, breaking of fast with several dates is considered "sunnah" in Islam, or a practice of the Prophet Muhammad. Another good choice: a cup of juice without sugar added to bring low blood glucose levels to normal levels. It's also good advice to have a bowl of vegetable soup. Both juice and soup help maintain water and mineral balance in the body. They also help quenching the thirst quickly.
Typically, people who are normal weight or overweight people shouldn't gain weight. For overweight people, Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to lose weight. Underweight or marginally normal weight people shouldn't use this time to lose weight, but a couple of pounds of body weight loss isn't harmful. That may be due to dehydration or the somewhat reduced calorie intake.. This small body weight loss is easily regained after Ramadan.
If we eat properly a balanced diet when we fast, we will maintain our body weight, maintain our energy level and perform our daily work normally. Just like during the rest of the year, it's critical to eat a good balanced diet while fasting.
happy ramadan
