Every year, over two billion Muslims around the world observe the sacred month of Ramadan, abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset. For many Muslims in cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Bradford, it is a deeply spiritual journey rooted in faith, discipline, and compassion. Ramadan is more than a spiritual obligation; it is also a powerful reset for the body and mind.
During this blessed month, millions also take part in the Ramadan Appeal 2026, extending the spirit of sacrifice and generosity to vulnerable communities worldwide. Yet beyond its divine reward and charitable impact, growing scientific evidence reveals that fasting during Ramadan can profoundly benefit both your heart and your mental health. This article explores those benefits in depth, backed by peer-reviewed research, and shows how you can amplify the blessings of this holy month through conscious fasting and compassionate giving.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United Kingdom, responsible for around 160,000 deaths every year, according to the British Heart Foundation. Against this backdrop, researchers have been studying how Ramadan-style intermittent fasting affects the heart, and the findings are genuinely encouraging.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Fasting is a shield.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 190“ Science is now beginning to reveal just how literally true this is. A landmark prospective observational study published in the Nutrition Journal examined 82 volunteers with existing cardiovascular risk factors. After Ramadan, participants showed a statistically significant improvement in their ten-year coronary heart disease risk score, falling from 13.0 to 10.8 based on the Framingham Risk Score (p < 0.001). Total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol), and VLDL cholesterol all decreased significantly. At the same time, HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) increased significantly (p < 0.001). Systolic blood pressure also dropped meaningfully, from 132.9 mmHg to 129.9 mmHg (p = 0.03). These are not trivial changes. For people at risk of heart attack or stroke, improvements of this magnitude can be life-changing. SubhanAllah, the Prophet ﷺ also said, “Every good deed of Adam’s son is for him except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward for it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 190 The reward of Ramadan fasting is with Allah ﷻ alone, and its worldly benefit, as science confirms, is the protection of your heart.
During the fasting hours of Ramadan, your body shifts from using glucose as its primary fuel to burning stored fat. This metabolic switch has a direct effect on lipid metabolism. A study of 100 healthy adult males found that after one month of Ramadan fasting, total cholesterol and triglycerides decreased significantly (p = 0.000), while HDL cholesterol rose significantly (p = 0.000). These improvements in lipid profile reduce the buildup of plaque in the arteries and lower the risk of clots that trigger heart attacks and strokes.
The reduction in systolic blood pressure during Ramadan is also clinically meaningful. High blood pressure is one of the most common preventable causes of cardiovascular disease in the UK, affecting approximately one in three adults. Time-restricted eating, as practiced during Ramadan, appears to calm the sympathetic nervous system and reduce circulating levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, both of which contribute to elevated blood pressure. The result is a gentler, more efficient heartbeat throughout the month.
The benefits of Ramadan are not confined to the physical body. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that fasting during Ramadan improves mental well-being in measurable ways.
A 2025 study published in Healthcare (MDPI) examined the effects of Ramadan fasting on depression, anxiety, and stress among university students in Amman, Jordan. The research found that multiple previous studies, including an RCT by Lauche et al. (2024), concluded that Ramadan fasting combined with pre-Ramadan dietary guidance was “effectively associated with short-term enhancements in mental and physical well-being.” A separate review of 22 papers on Ramadan fasting and mental health concluded that fasting positively affected students’ well-being by reducing feelings of depression and anxiety. A study by Koushali et al. (2013) involving 313 nurses found that Ramadan fasting was effective at diminishing levels of depression and stress.
A randomized controlled trial conducted in Essen, Germany, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine (2025), found that Muslims who received dietary and lifestyle guidance before Ramadan reported significant improvements in quality of life, as measured by the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, compared with those who fasted without such preparation.
There is a dimension to Ramadan’s mental health benefits that goes beyond biology. Research in positive psychology consistently shows that purpose, gratitude, and social belonging are among the strongest predictors of psychological resilience. Ramadan delivers all three simultaneously.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow worshippers at Taraweeh prayers in mosques from East London to Glasgow, breaking fast at community Iftar tables, and feeling connected to the global Ummah of two billion Muslims creates a sense of belonging that combats loneliness and isolation, two of the most significant mental health challenges facing people in Britain today. According to the Office for National Statistics, around one in eight adults in England reported feeling lonely often or always in 2023. The communal spirit of Ramadan is a powerful antidote to this.
The act of charitable giving during Ramadan, whether through Zakat, Sadaqah, or Fitrana, also contributes meaningfully to psychological well-being. Studies in positive psychology show that prosocial spending consistently increases the giver’s happiness and sense of purpose. By supporting others through the Ramadan Daily Giving program, you are not only transforming the lives of families in crisis; you are also nurturing your own mental well-being.
| Health Benefit | What the Research Shows |
| Reduced LDL cholesterol | Significant decrease after Ramadan fasting (p < 0.001) |
| Increased HDL cholesterol | Significant rise in “good” cholesterol (p < 0.001) |
| Lower systolic blood pressure | Drop from 132.9 to 129.9 mmHg (p = 0.03) |
| Improved 10-year heart disease risk | Score fell from 13.0 to 10.8 (Framingham Risk Score) |
| Reduced BMI | Significant reduction (–0.40 kg/m²) versus non-fasters |
| Improved endothelial function | Elevated nitric oxide; improved vessel wall health |
| Reduced depression and stress | Significant improvements in fasting versus non-fasting groups |
| Improved quality of life (WHO-5) | Short-term enhancements in mental and physical wellbeing |
Getting the most from Ramadan fasting requires mindful preparation. Nutritionists and medical professionals in the UK recommend eating a balanced Suhoor rich in complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and fiber to maintain sustained energy throughout the fasting day. Dates, oats, eggs, and whole grains are excellent choices. At Iftar, breaking your fast with dates and water before a balanced meal helps prevent overeating and protects your digestive system.
Staying hydrated between Iftar and Suhoor is equally important. Drinking six to eight glasses of water during the non-fasting hours prevents dehydration, which can otherwise raise blood pressure and heart rate. Minimizing fried foods and sugary drinks, which are often over-consumed at Iftar tables in communities across the UK, helps preserve the cardiovascular gains your body makes during the fasting hours.
Light to moderate exercise, such as a gentle walk after Iftar or stretching before Suhoor, supports heart health and helps maintain muscle mass during the month. The NHS also recommends that anyone with a chronic health condition consult their GP before fasting.
Al-Qulub Trust working tirelessly to ensure that the blessings of Ramadan reach the most vulnerable families on earth. While Muslims in cities like Leicester, Leeds, and London sit down to their Iftar meals, millions of families in Gaza, Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Uganda, and Sri Lanka face the anguish of hunger, without a single meal to break their fast.
If you would like to give consistently throughout the holy month, the Ramadan Daily Giving program allows you to automate a daily donation, ensuring that your Sadaqah flows throughout all 30 blessed days. You can also support the Palestine Emergency Appeal or the Yemen Emergency Appeal for urgent crisis relief.
As Allah ﷻ reminds us in the Quran: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears; in every ear there are a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies for whom He wills.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261)
True well-being in Islam has never been merely physical. It is the harmony of body, mind, and soul, all nourished simultaneously during the sacred month of Ramadan. The fast heals your heart in ways that cardiologists are only beginning to fully understand. The prayers heal your mind, grounding you in gratitude and purpose. And the act of giving, the Sadaqah and Zakat you extend to the most vulnerable, heals your soul and deepens your connection to your Creator and your Ummah.
Muslims across the United Kingdom are in a unique position. Living in one of the world’s most prosperous nations, with access to excellent healthcare and abundant food, the gift of Ramadan fasting carries particular power, both as a personal health practice and as a reminder of the global duty of compassion. When you donate through Al-Qulub Trust’s Ramadan Appeal 2026, you are not merely giving money. You are giving a family the Iftar they could not have. You are giving a child the nourishment they need to survive. And you are participating in one of the greatest acts of worship available to a Muslim in the holiest month of the year.
Does fasting in Ramadan really benefit the heart?
Yes. Peer-reviewed research published in the Nutrition Journal confirmed that Ramadan fasting significantly reduces LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure, while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Fasting is a shield.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1904), and science now confirms this shield protects your heart too.
What did the Prophet ﷺ say about the reward of fasting in Ramadan?
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever fasts in Ramadan out of sincere faith, hoping for a reward from Allah, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 190 Ramadan fasting is therefore both a spiritual cleansing and, as research shows, a physical one.
Does Ramadan fasting help with anxiety and depression?
Yes. A review of 22 studies confirmed that Ramadan fasting significantly reduces feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. The structured routine of Suhoor, Iftar, and Taraweeh creates a daily rhythm that stabilizes mood and promotes mental well-being.
What is the best charity to give to during Ramadan?
The Prophet ﷺ said, “The Prophet ﷺ was the most generous of all people, and he used to be even more generous in Ramadan.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 190 Giving Sadaqah, Zakat, and Fitrana during Ramadan carries immense reward. You can give today through the Ramadan Appeal 2026 or set up Ramadan Daily Giving to give every single day of the blessed month.
What happens spiritually when Ramadan begins?
The Prophet ﷺ said, “When Ramadan enters, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 189 This sacred atmosphere makes Ramadan the most powerful month for worship, reflection, self-improvement, and giving to those in need.
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