Feeding Behavior and Ramadan

 Feeding Behavior and Ramadan

   Dr. Milan D. Valyear and Dr. Roelof Eikelboom's study "Reduced caloric intake allows access-induced consumption differences to emerge with concentrated sucrose solutions" shed light on how feeding behavior is altered based on caloric intake. In this study, they discovered that the subjects of the studies had the capacity to maintain and regulate the calories they consume when given different concentrations of a sucrose solution. 

   The results from this study and Ramadan are connected in their exploration of the implications of reduced caloric intake has on the body. Along with the spiritual dimensions of Ramadan, Muslims who are able to participate in the rituals of the month, fast from dawn to dusk for 30 days. Since the fast can last up to 14-16 hours per day, eating habits commonly change during the month, specifically having an increased palatability to sweets. The increased sweet tooth is a result of the quick energy boost that sweets provide, but can have lasting effects if not in moderation- such as weight gain. 

    The study's findings also can help explain the change in diet that Muslims undergo during Ramadan. Because of the long hours of the fast, Muslims can also undergo similar dietary behaviors observed in the Valyear's study. It was found that there were changes in 12/19 of food groups in a study that was conducted in which food consumption was monitored during the month of Ramadan compared to the rest of the months (Shatila, 2021). Similarly, the rats in Valyear's study also showed that no more than 60% of calories were being consumed. Additionally, Shatila et. al noted that the participants consumed more sugary drinks and desserts than the rest of the months, with a decrease in other food groups such as in fats (Shatila, 2021). Both studies show evidence in consumption differences in reduced calorie intake. 

    In summary, the studies both suggest that reducing calories can have implications in the amount we consume. While the rats in Valyear's study showed regulation in caloric intake, Muslims who partake in fasting during the month of Ramadan also showed dietary changes, such as a reduction in fat and oil intake (Shatila, 2021). Other health benefits in Ramadan fasting also include increased immunity, improve insulin sensitivity as a result of a drop in glucose levels, weight loss for those who struggle with overweight and obesity, as well as cardiac and neurological health improvements (Al Hossain, 2023). 

References

Hossain, F. A. (2023, March 27). Top 5 health benefits of fasting in Ramadan. The Daily Star. Retrieved May 3, 2023, from https://www.thedailystar.net/life-living/health-fitness/news/top-5-health-benefits-fasting-ramadan-3278071

Shatila, H., Baroudi, M., El Sayed Ahmad, R., Chehab, R., Forman, M. R., Abbas, N., Faris, M. A. I., & Naja, F. (2021, August 5). Impact of ramadan fasting on dietary intakes among healthy adults: A year-round comparative study. Frontiers in nutrition. Retrieved May 3, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8375294/

Valyear, M. D., & Eikelboom, R. (2021, March 15). Reduced caloric intake allows access-induced consumption differences to emerge with concentrated sucrose solutions. Physiology & Behavior. Retrieved May 3, 2023, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031938421000809?via%3Dihub