Fasting is really good for you. Scientifically, it is proven to force the body to cleanse itself by burning excess sugar and fat in the blood stream and brain stimulation and growth occurs. It is though this to be a natural response to increase the chances of finding food (i.e. from back in caveman days). Fasting boosts life expectancy. It also isnt something that is unique to Islam. People in this country that identify as Christian have largely abandoned strict adherence to Christian tradition. As i was brought up in a traditional Catholic family, Catholics are supposed to fast during lent, particularly on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during lent. And Catholics are also expected to abstain from eating meat on all Fridays (which is where "Friday fish and chips" comes from). Advent was traditionally a similar period of penitence in the run up to Christmas. To be clear, I'm not religious but fasting and abstinence is generally a feature of all major religions in some form. If you can be ar** to follow them strictly.
