Have you ever thought what a blessing it is to be born Muslim? We have literally inherited Islam; The true religion and the path to salvation.

‘But what does that have to do with stem cells?’ you may ask. Well, as Muslims we are required to fast for one month each year in the month of Ramadan and a recent study has found an amazing new benefit to fasting!

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Southern California, who found that our body has a natural intervention that triggers stem cell-based regeneration of organs. The research provides evidence that phases of prolonged fasting protect against immune system damage and induce immune system regeneration. In conclusion, the study states that fasting shifts stem cells from a dormant state to a state of self-renewal.

According to Valter Longo who is the corresponding author “We could not predict that prolonged fasting would have such a remarkable effect in promoting stem cell-based regeneration of the heatopoietic system. When you starve, the system tries to save energy, and one of the things it can do to save energy is to recycle a lot of the immune cells that are not needed, especially those that may be damaged.  What we started noticing in both our human work and animal work is that the white blood cell count goes down with prolonged fasting. Then when you re-feed, the blood cells come back.”

Since Muslims are required to fast for one month each year, we automatically get this amazing, free benefit of having our stem cells regenerated! Furthermore, as we all know, the Rasool (SAW) strongly recommended fasting at least three days out of the month, specifically the 13th, 14th and 15th days of each lunar month. Furthermore, the Rasool (SAW) would often fast on Mondays and Thursdays. Besides the profound spiritual benefits this practice must bring with it, we are only now learning of the amazing health benefits.

I am sure that most of us have heard Surah Al-Rahman where Allah says “So, which of the favours of your Lord will you deny”

This is clearly one of those favors! A favor that one could not have fathomed till today.

And as we are on the topic of the favors of Allah and fasting, stem cell regeneration is not the only benefit of fasting. Other similar researches also suggest:

  • Fasting helps protect against brain disease
  • Fasting cuts your risk of heart disease and diabetes
  • Fasting effectively treats cancer in human cells

All I can say is Subhan Allah!

Photo Credit: flickr/gandara