It’s more than just a diet—it’s a spiritual journey with a wellness twist. The Daniel fast, inspired by biblical teachings, has taken the health and wellness world by storm, promising not only physical benefits but also a deeper connection to faith for those in Christianity.
With its focus on plant-based, unprocessed foods, this 21-day plan is hailed as a reset for both body and soul. Let’s uncover more on the truths and benefits of the Daniel fast diet that has most people jumping in on it.
The Daniel fast, based on the principles of the book of Daniel in the Bible, is a plant-based diet that resembles the way Daniel ate during certain points of his life. According to Daniel, he practised fasting two times during his life and refrained from eating certain foods due to his beliefs and messages.
According to Eating Well, the Daniel fast aims to promote vigour, better health, and a greater connection to faith. Following the Daniel fast, individuals eat nutrient-dense and minimally processed foods for 21 days, limiting certain foods and drinks except for water, the mentioned source explains.
The list of foods includes fruit, vegetables, nuts and legumes, beans and peas, whole grains, healthy fats, herbs and spices, and water. The fast is said to encourage moderation in consuming healthy fats, herbs, and spices, and limiting alcohol, tea, coffee, juice, or soda consumption.
According to Healthline, this diet has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, all-cause mortality, certain types of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and premature ageing. It is also stated that consuming beans regularly is associated with better overall health, especially for improving heart health and supporting a healthy gut.
“Interestingly, a 2010 study on the Daniel Fast that included 44 participants noted a significant decrease in blood pressure and cholesterol after 21 days on the diet. C-reactive protein (an inflammatory marker) also decreased, but not to a statistically significant degree.”
