Intermittent fasting has been gaining popularity among people trying to lose weight or improve their health in general. This is different from regular diets as it doesn’t limit what and how much you can eat. Instead, it involves setting up a specific eating schedule that cycles between periods of eating and voluntary fasting.
There is no fixed fasting method, though; it may vary depending on the requirements or tolerance of an individual. Here are some of the potential benefits of intermittent fasting.
Helps In Weight Loss And Reducing Belly Fat
Intermittent fasting is most popular among people who want to reduce weight. Research has found that the eating regimen followed during intermittent fasting can help increase your metabolic rate and promote weight loss. It’s also effective in reducing belly fat.
May Prevent Diabetes
Intermittent fasting can lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes. It is effective in reducing insulin resistance in the human body, thus keeping blood sugar levels in check. Although the current research is limited, there is an indication that short-term intermittent fasting may be beneficial for people at risk of developing diabetes.
Promotes Heart Health
Intermittent fasting can have potential benefits for heart health. For example, it can help combat high blood pressure, a significant cause of heart attacks and stroke. In addition, it can also help regulate blood sugar, cholesterol, etc.
Although the number of human trials is much lower compared to animal studies, there is an indication that intermittent fasting can help reduce several risk factors that may lead to heart damage.
Can Reduce Risk Of Cancer
Intermittent fasting may also be beneficial in cancer prevention or treatment. Studies conducted on animals have indicated that intermittent fasting can potentially reduce the chances of cancer. Although human studies are much more limited, there is evidence that short-term fasting can help combat the effects of chemotherapy.
Can Improve Brain Health
Want a healthier brain? Intermittent fasting might help. Research has found that periodic fasting can help enhance motor performance and cognitive function and combat neuron degeneration in animal models. It is also known to reduce oxidative damage and inflammation in the body, which can help maintain brain health.
May Help You Live Longer
Can fasting extend your lifespan? Well, research indicates that it might! One study conducted on mice found that intermittent fasting did reduce their lifespan to some extent. Another experiment conducted on fruit flies also had a similar conclusion.
Although we still need more research to confirm the effects on humans, there is a clear indication that intermittent fasting can help you live longer.
Summing Up
To summarize, intermittent fasting can not only put you at lower risk for a variety of health issues but also potentially increase your lifespan. However, it’s best to consult with an experienced medical expert before starting, as they will be able to suggest the best method of intermittent fasting based on your specific goals.
