The Easter fasting is the strictest and longest one. For the religious ones, fasting is a must. Others, fast as a family tradition and some because they believe fasting is healthy. It is true that giving up meat, milk and oil for more than 40 days is good for our bodies but long vegetarianism hides some dangers, which we need to be aware of, in order to avoid them.

1.    Low calcium intake

Here are some foods, which are rich in calcium:

-       Clams and oysters

-       Broccoli and green vegetables

-       Dry fruits and mostly figs

-       Legumen

-       Sesame

-       Soya products

For better calcium absorption, avoid simultaneously consuming the upper products with vinegar and fruit acids, caffeine, and tannin.  

2.    Low consumption of Vitamin D

Because vitamin D is dissolved in fats, in order to absorb it completely you need to consume minimum quantity of fats. At the same time, our bodies produce vitamin D in our skin, so while you fast you need to go sunbathing – this way the levels of the vitamin in your body will be enough, independently of what you eat.

3.    Low consumption of iron

-       Legumen and soya

-       Dry fruits

-       Nuts

-       Dark green leafy vegetables

-       Clams and oysters

In order to absorb iron better, you need to take more vitamin C while eating the upper mentioned products – citrus fruits and juices, kiwi, strawberries, sprouts and broccoli. Avoid taking in iron with tannin, vinegar acid, calcium and caffeine.

4.    Low consumption of B12

The richest meatless sources of this vitamin are cereal and oats meal.

If you keep up with this list, you can fast and provide your body with all it needs without harming it.