Daniel book report

 Daniel book report

The Daniel fast is based on stories found in the book of Daniel in the Old Testament between chapter one and chapter ten. In the first chapter, the prophet Daniel resolved to abstain from eating meat, bread, and wine for ten days (The Expositor’s Study Bible).In the tenth chapter, Daniel fasted for 21 days. During this period, he ate pulses, which is anything with seeds. The only beverage Daniel took was water. Scientific studies indicate that individuals with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases such as high blood pressure, and cholesterol encounter improvements in their health whenever they implement the diet of the Daniel fast (Bloomer et al.). Therefore, this paper tries to explain the nutrition benefits involved in the Daniel fast.

The Daniel fast involved the intake of vegetables. Generally, the consumption of vegetables is considered healthy due to their high minerals and vitamins. The consumption of vegetable grants consumers various compounds that are beneficial to the human body. For example, vegetables contain phytochemicals, which have bioactive features and are enzyme inhibiting competent in resisting oxidant activities (Slavin, and Lloyd). Another essential reason to consume vegetables is that it reduces the risks of heart attack, and it improves gastrointestinal health. Also, the consumption of vegetables reduces the chances of getting some types of cancer and some chronic diseases such as diabetes. The risks are reduced because vegetables contain a dietary fiber that enhances the transportation of waste through managing the concentration of glucose in the blood and by transporting a required amount of minerals and Phyto-nutraceuticals connected to the fiber matrix.

During the fast, Daniel consumed fruits. Fruits have a vast nutrition value since none contains cholesterol, and most fruits are low in sodium, fat, and calories. Fruits provide crucial nutrients that are not well consumed, such as vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, and folic acid (Slavin & Lloyd). Vitamin C aid in the repair and growth of body tissues, keeping gums and teeth healthy, and it also helps in the healing of wounds. Potassium, which is mostly found in bananas, help the body to maintain healthy blood pressure with the aid of dietary fiber from fruits. Dietary fiber reduces the chances of getting heart diseases by lowering blood cholesterol levels. Finally, folic acid in fruits helps in the formatting of red blood cells. Red blood cells are essential, especially to childbearing women because it lowers the risk of the women getting anencephaly, neural tube defects, and spinal Bifida during fetal development.

Fishes are rich in crucial fatty acids, calcium, iron, and vitamin B _12. The omega 3 fatty acids contained in fish help in monitoring the heartbeat rate by lowering the blood pressure of the body (Torpy et al.). In childbearing women, fatty acids aid in the development of the infant’s brain. The omega-3 fatty acids help in the development of eye health and vision, and this is because both the brain and the eyes are concentrated with omega-3 fatty acids. The calcium in fish help in the development of healthy teeth and bones, especially to children. The iron and vitamin B ₁₂ contained in fish helps in the formation of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin has the function of transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues. Deficiency of iron and vitamin B₁₂ can lead to the prevention of blood clots, especially when one is injured or cut.

Another aspect of the Daniel fast is that during the fasting period, Daniel did not consume meat. Meat has various nutrients, especially proteins. Proteins help in building bones, muscles, enzymes, and other tissues. However, the continuous consumption of meat, especially red meat such as goat, lamb, beef, and pork, could lead to several health complications. For example, regular use of red meat could cause kidney problems, cancer, heart diseases, and digestive complications (Torpy et al.). Generally, red meat contains large amounts of saturated fat, which raises the levels of cholesterol in a consumer’s body. Carcinogen found in meat leads to cancer, specifically colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, and prostate cancer. Colorectal cancer affects the rectum or colon, while prostate cancer that affects the prostate. In case an individual has kidney problems and consumes red meat, the proteins contained in the flesh will form cysts that usually complicate treatment more.

During the fast, Daniel also consumed pulses. Pulses are generally seeds that can be eaten, especially leguminous plants. Legumes contain many nutritional benefits to the body since they are rich in proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, and B-vitamins (Slavin & Lloyd). The high amounts of fiber and carbohydrates in pulses mean that their digestion is slow, and therefore, one can stay for a more extended period without feeling hungry (Torpy et al.). The low amounts of fat and high amounts of fiber present in pulses aid in the managing of cholesterol levels, regulating energy levels, and managing the digestive health. Lastly, the fiber binds cholesterol and toxins to ensure their removal from the body. The proteins in pulses help in the formation of muscles, bones, and skin. B-vitamins contained in aid of the pulse in the development of good eyesight, proper functioning of the nerves, and a healthy appetite.

Daniel fast also involves abstaining from the consumption of bread. Bread has little nutrition value because the innermost and the outermost layers of the grains are removed. During the removal of these layers, 25% of the protein and fiber are removed, leaving starch alone. Therefore, the consumption of bread mainly leads to weight gain. After eating bread, the remnants of sugar in the bloodstream are usually stored as fat in the body (Slavin & Lloyd). Since bread contains low amounts of protein and fiber, that are essential in slowing digestion, consumed bread is digested and absorbed quickly. The danger of this is that it leads to erratic blood sugar levels, which in turn leads to an increased risk of diabetes. Large amounts of insulin are released into the bloodstream when blood sugar elevates fast.

Summarily, the implementation of Daniel fast presents significant nutritional and health benefits to the body. This paper has set out that the foods that are consumed during the period of this fast support detoxification because it involves avoiding foods that are high in toxins and consuming foods that get rid of toxins. The Daniel fast also helps in strengthening the immune system, primarily through vegetables that contain antioxidants and finally helps in oxygenating cells. Through the analysis of the types of foods involved in the Daniel fast, it is evident that if anyone does the Daniel fast, by the end of the diet, the person shall become more healthy as seen even during the time of Daniel (The Expositor’s Study Bible). After ten days fast, Daniel and his three friends appeared farrier and fatter than all the other people who were eating meat.