Living: Five benefits of fasting
Fasting involves the abstinence from all or some food and drink for a given period of time. Nutritionists suggest that fasting may boost health, promote longevity and keep those extra pounds at bay. Here are five health benefits of fasting.
May support weight loss
Many dieters turn to fasting as a manageable approach to weight loss. Studies show that controlling the times we eat or undertaking short-term fasts can aid weight reduction, fat loss and improve blood lipids. That’s not all: other studies have shown fasting to increase the ability to switch metabolism to fat burning, preserve muscle mass and improve body composition in overweight people.
May delay aging
Fasting, and in particular adopting a diet low in protein, has in animals according to several studies been associated with an extended life expectancy.
Furthermore, fasting appears to promote levels of human growth hormone, a hormone that plays an important role in growth and repair, metabolism, weight loss, muscle strength and exercise performance.
Current longevity research is largely limited to animals, so more studies are needed to fully understand how this may impact human aging.
May support brain function
Studies conducted in animals suggest fasting may improve brain function by supporting memory and brain processing. Indeed, the protection of brain health and increase in the production of nerve cells may be additional benefits of fasting.
May help disease prevention
Lightening your normal eating pattern appears to give your body the time to focus on other important functions, including disease prevention With this in mind, it may also improve the body’s ability to manage chronic inflammation and, as such, reduce the risk of conditions such as heart disease multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis
Supports blood sugar management
Several studies support the use of fasting as a means of improving blood sugar control and potentially reducing the risk of diabetes. However, fasting isn’t recommended for people who are underweight, have an eating disorder or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also those on drugs or with special medical conditions should seek the advice of their doctor before embarking on fasting.