Here are 8 health benefits of fasting -backed by science.
Despite its recent surge in popularity, fasting is a practice that dates back centuries and plays a central role in many cultures and religions.
Fasting has been shown to have many health benefits, from increased weight loss to better brain function.
1. Intermittent fasting
and alternate-day fasting could help decrease blood sugar levels and reduce
insulin resistance but may affect men and women differently.
2. Some studies have found
that fasting could decrease several markers of inflammation and may be useful
in treating inflammatory conditions, such as multiple sclerosis.
3. Fasting has been
associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease and may help lower blood
pressure, triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
4. Animal studies show
that fasting could improve brain function, increase nerve cell synthesis and
protect against neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and
Parkinson’s.
5. Fasting may increase
metabolism and help preserve muscle tissue to reduce body weight and body fat.
6. Studies show that fasting can increase levels of human growth hormone (HGH), an important proteinhormone that plays a role in growth, metabolism, weight loss and musclestrength.
7. Animal studies have
found that fasting could delay aging and increase longevity, but human research
is still lacking.
8. Some animal and
test-tube studies suggest that fasting could block tumor development and
increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy.