Doha, Qatar: A recent groundbreaking study has revealed exciting new insights into the health benefits of combining fasting with regular exercise, particularly during Ramadan. The study led by Shamma Al-Muraikhy, a Qatari PhD student at the University of Groningen and a Senior Research Assistant at the Biomedical Research Center, QU, shows that exercising while fasting may help slow down aging at the cellular level. For those who observe fasting during Ramadan, this study offers promising news—combining it with exercise can bring about powerful health benefits that go beyond just physical fitness.
The study focused on the length of telomeres—protective caps located at the ends of chromosomes—, which can be affected by several lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise. Research shows that shorter telomeres are associated with aging and various diseases. Therefore, discovering methods to preserve or even extend telomere length may offer significant health benefits.
The study found that young, healthy women who exercised while fasting experienced a notable increase in their telomere length, a key indicator (marker) of biological aging, compared to women who exercised without fasting. These exciting findings suggest a new, natural way to maintain youthfulness and overall health, with implications for enhancing longevity and preventing age-related diseases. Commenting on the findings, Dr.
Mohamed Elrayes, the senior investigator and Director of Basic Research at the Hea.