Science and fasting

I was wasting a little time and searching for topics within the scholarly database at one of the universities where I teach, and found some interesting information.

One study, conducted in 2007, found that

Conclusions: The periodic vegetarianism recommended by the Greek Orthodox Church contributes to the favourable profiles of several biomarkers of health among this sample of monks. The fasting rituals described are an important component of the traditional diet of Crete and should be emphasised in nutrition education programmes promoting this Mediterranean eating pattern.


Papadaki, A., Vardavas, C., Hatzis, C., & Kafatos, A. (2008). Calcium, nutrient and food intake of Greek Orthodox Christian monks during a fasting and non-fasting week. Public Health Nutrition, 11(10), 1022-1029.

 And

The Orthodox Christian diet is unique in regularly interchanging from an omnivore to a vegetarian-type diet, and no study to date has focused on the impact of this on Fe status….

Adherence to the Orthodox Christian dietary guidelines does not have a major impact on Fe status and is not associated with a significantly greater degree of Fe deficiency.

Sarri, K. O., Kafatos, A. G., &; Higgins, S. (2005). Is religious fasting related to iron status in Greek Orthodox Christians?. The British Journal Of Nutrition, 94(2), 198-203.


Sounds like the regimen is good for us. Not surprised.