Surprise: Ramadan Is Very Healthy
Ramadan is about to begin, and Muslims fast for a month between sunrise and sunset. Research by Erasmus MC shows that Ramadan has a positive effect on health, particularly on the liver and bacteria in the gut. How does that work?
Ramadan 2025
The day Ramadan begins shifts every year because the Islamic calendar is based on the position of the moon. The fasting month begins when the first sliver of the moon becomes visible. That is different everywhere on Earth. In 2025, Ramadan will take place in the Netherlands from February 28 through March 30.
Fasting during Ramadan
Fasting for a short period is quite healthy; that is well known. The hospital researched the specific health benefits of Ramadan, the traditional fasting month for Muslims. The conclusion: a period of fasting is good for your liver and intestines, particularly because fasting changes the composition of gut bacteria. Maikel Peppelposch, professor of gastroenterology, hepatology and intestinal diseases at Erasmus, summarizes the result: ‘The liver functions better, blood sugar levels look better, and you can lose weight.’
Regular fasting works too
For two years, from 2016 through 2018, the hospital monitored a group of Muslims who participated in Ramadan. The scientists discovered that, by not eating for a period of time, the number of butyrate-producing bacteria in the intestines changes, which helps digestion work better. That effect is not exclusive to Ramadan, says the professor. ‘It can also increase during intermittent fasting or if you do not eat for longer periods during the day.’
Small bites
The meals you eat during Ramadan are divided into two parts: before sunrise (suhoor) and after sunset (iftar). Want to get through Ramadan in a somewhat healthy way? Firing up the deep fryer immediately after the traditional dates will probably undo those discovered health benefits. Eating fiber-rich foods, drinking enough and not suddenly eating too much when it gets dark gives you the best chance. A delicious Ramadan dish to try is these roasted aubergines with toppings, and these falafel macarons are also perfect to make.
Your body may need some time to adjust at first, but once your body has been reset, many Muslims say, it becomes stronger
as a result. Of course, you should make sure you get enough of the right nutrients and drink enough at the times when you are allowed to. If you are ill, you do not have to participate in Ramadan, and the same applies if, for example, you feel weak—you know that best yourself.
Also read:
