The history of fasting

Fasting is not a trend or fanaticism; in fact, it is a historical tradition carried out through the centuries by different cultures. Here is a bit of the history of this sacrifice that also takes care of the body. During Lent, fasting is a practice of abstaining from food that allows faithful believers to grow and meditate on the word of God. The purpose of fasting is to deny physical pleasures in search of spiritual growth and deep communion with religion, and this has been adopted by different religions throughout history. Having verified the beneficial effects of fasting, many sages of antiquity introduced the mandate to fast in religions: Catholics and other Christians during Lent, Jews on the Day of Atonement, Hindus on Ekadashi, etc. Islamic or Muslim peoples also hold fasting in high esteem, as it not only proves beneficial for the body (when done carefully), but it also frees the mind from more earthly desires and allows concentration on the spiritual. The perhaps most illustrious figure in history who used fasting as a weapon for good was the pacifist leader Mahatma Gandhi. This exemplary man fasted for 40 days trying to achieve peace and liberation for his native India, for one of his beliefs was that “When there is pain that we cannot eliminate, we must fast.” After his fast of more than a month and a half, Gandhi survived another 24 years in excellent health, and he always spoke highly of fasting and its bodily and spiritual benefits. Now, since 1925, research has been conducted on the impact of fasting on the body. According to statements from Dr. Spencer, it was found that in a 24-day fast, one-third of the weight lost is not fat but muscle, even cardiac muscle. For this reason, one must first be aware of what they are doing while fasting and take maximum precautions. Then, one must take care of the body, even while fasting, and allow it to rest. And finally, fasting should not be understood as a practice to lose weight, but for a much more moral purpose than physical.   Lent Recipes    Gnocchi over Mushrooms with Mascarpone Sauce and Radish  Crepes with Cheese and Crab  Tacos de Pescado Estilo Tamaulipas  Dried Shrimp Broth     Did you know the history of fasting?