Should you be Fasting?
Intermittent fasting involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting, ranging from a few hours to a few days at a time.
Fasting has been shown to have many health benefits, from increased weight loss to better brain function.
Here are 6 health benefits of fasting — backed by science.
- Promotes Blood Sugar Control by Reducing Insulin Resistance
Intermittent fasting and alternate-day fasting could help decrease blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance but may affect men and women differently.
- Promotes Better Health by Fighting Inflammation
Some studies have found that fasting could decrease several markers of inflammation and may be useful in treating inflammatory conditions, such as multiple sclerosis.
- May Boost Brain Function and Prevent Neurodegenerative Disorders
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.
- Aids Weight Loss by Limiting Calorie Intake and Boosting Metabolism
Fasting may increase metabolism and help preserve muscle tissue to reduce body weight and body fat.
- Increases Growth Hormone Secretion, Which Is Vital for Growth, Metabolism, Weight Loss and Muscle Strength
Studies show that fasting can increase levels of human growth hormone (HGH), an important protein hormone that plays a role in growth, metabolism, weight loss and muscle strength.
- Could Delay Aging and Extend Longevity
Animal studies have found that fasting could delay aging and increase longevity, but human research is still lacking.
