Christian Orthodox Fasting as a Traditional Diet with Low Content of Refined Carbohydrates That Promotes Human Health: A Review of the Current Clinical Evidence

Abstract

Introduction: Christian Orthodox fasting is a pattern high in complex carbohydrates and low in refined carbohydrates. It has been explored in association with its potential health benefits. The present review aims to comprehensively explore the existing available clinical data concerning the potential favorable impact of the dietary pattern of Christian Orthodox fasting on human health. Methods: PubMed database, Web of Science and Google Scholar were extensively searched in order to identify the more appropriate clinical studies that explore the effect of Christian Orthodox fasting on health-related outcomes in humans utilizing relative keywords. We initially retrieved 121 records through database searching. After applying several exclusion criteria, 17 clinical studies were finally included in this review study. Discussion: Christian Orthodox fasting showed beneficial effects concerning glucose and lipid control, whereas the data for blood pressure remain inconclusive. Concerning weight control, fasters were characterized by lower body mass and lower caloric intake in the course of the fasting periods. During fasting, this pattern is higher in fruits and vegetables, showing the absence of dietary deficiencies for iron and folate. Nevertheless, dietary deficiencies were recorded for calcium and vitamin B2, and also hypovitaminosis D has been noticed in monks. Interestingly, the vast majority of monks do present with both good quality of life and mental health. Conclusions: Overall, Christian Orthodox fasting is a dietary pattern low in refined carbohydrates and high in complex carbohydrates and fiber that may be beneficial for human health promotion and chronic disease prevention. However, further studies are strongly recommended on the impact of long-term religious fasting on HDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Association of Christian Orthodox Fasting with Sociodemographic, Anthropometric and Lifestyle Factors and Serum Biochemical Indices: A Cross-Sectional Study on Patients with Metabolic Diseases

“…Extra virgin olive oil is usually allowed on certain days, even during major fasting periods [ 9 ]. Christian Orthodox fasting lasts for a total of 180–200 days annually and takes place during four major periods (Nativity, Lent, Assumption and Saint Apostles fasting), in which different foods are prohibited during each fasting period [ 9 , 10 ]. In addition, it takes place on almost every Wednesday and Friday and three other daily feasts (5 January, 29 August and 14 September) [ 9 , 10 ].…”

“…Christian Orthodox fasting, as a distinct, traditional type of time-restricted fasting, has been compared to the MD and periodic vegetarianism due to its certain similarities with these dietary patterns [ 14 , 15 ]. Christian Orthodox fasting practices also adhere to the World Cancer Research Fund’s Cancer Prevention Recommendations because of the high intake of fiber-rich foods, fruits, vegetables and legumes, low intake of refined carbohydrates and low consumption of meat products and dietary saturated fatty acids [ 9 , 10 ]. Notably, religious fasting, particularly Christian Orthodox and Ramadan Islamic fasting, are considered sustainable diets, as their recommendations may have a positive impact on planetary health [ 16 ].…”

“…Notably, religious fasting, particularly Christian Orthodox and Ramadan Islamic fasting, are considered sustainable diets, as their recommendations may have a positive impact on planetary health [ 16 ]. Christian Orthodox fasting has also been shown to exert potential preventive effects against obesity, cardiometabolic risk factors and diabetes mellitus type 2 [ 10 , 17 ]. In the last few years, Christian Orthodox fasting has been reported to exert beneficial effects concerning glucose, lipids and body weight control, being characterized by lower caloric intake, especially during the fasting periods [ 10 , 18 ].…”

“…Christian Orthodox fasting has also been shown to exert potential preventive effects against obesity, cardiometabolic risk factors and diabetes mellitus type 2 [ 10 , 17 ]. In the last few years, Christian Orthodox fasting has been reported to exert beneficial effects concerning glucose, lipids and body weight control, being characterized by lower caloric intake, especially during the fasting periods [ 10 , 18 ]. Thus, this type of religious dietary pattern may be of general interest concerning public health promotion.…”

The Interplay between Metabolic Syndrome and Religious Fasting in Postmenopausal Women

“…Fasting has gained a lot of interest as a means of adopting a healthier lifestyle to prevent and treat cardiometabolic diseases, including MetS [19]. In addition, religious fasting has traditionally been followed by people of all faiths worldwide, but has also emerged as a healthy dietary pattern that can be adopted by individuals [20] with its effects being investigated during the past few years [21][22][23][24][25][26][27]. Christian Orthodox Church (COC) religious fasting, which is followed by the largest religious community worldwide [28], suggests abstinence from meat, dairy products, and eggs for 180-200 days per year, according to the fasting periods that are spread throughout the year [22].…”