Do you fast? Why or why not? Are there any benefits?

[Anonymous]

So today is the Islamic Holy month of "Ramadan" where Muslims are believed to fast from sunrise till sunset. It got me thinking, why do people fast? (NOT just Muslims, butt people from other religions). Are there any religions that have fasting requirements or habits? What are the benefits of fasting? I know that cleansing diets can be very beneficial to the body, does fasting serve the same purpose? I will most likely research this topic but I would like to hear what you guys think about this? I would also appreciate any helpful links.

Thank you :)

Updates

+1 y

lol typo in line 6..but*

[dvd89]

I am Jewish..we fast for a day as well for the holiday of Yom Kippur..or day of atonement...it just simply means we are not eating for all the things we have done bad in the past year...(Jewish year)

[Anonymous]

I do not. But I know a lot of people who do for religious purposes only

[Habakkuk]

done it before, it sucks balls, and I'm not doing it anymore because I'm too skinny as it is