Intermittent fasting refers to a kind of eating regimen that alternates between periods of fasting and eating. According to several studies, implementing an intermittent fasting routine may aid in weight reduction, cardiovascular health, memory and mental performance enhancement, and several other essential health benefits.
Even though the majority of this study is based on animal studies, recent human data have shown encouraging outcomes, particularly in terms of the ability to aid in weight reduction and improve some forms of chronic illnesses that are nutrition-related including diabetes and heart disease.
Getting the most out of your intermittent fasting often requires discipline and consistency, which can be a daunting task at times. However, with tools such as the free app for intermittent fasting, you can get a guide and support that helps you follow through with your fasting in the right way. This way, you’d be able to enjoy most of the health benefits that we will be discussing shortly.
Below are some of the health benefits associated with intermittent fasting:
- Maintains Strong and Healthy Cells
Whenever you fast, you offer your body the chance to recharge and mend while taking care of the built-in mechanisms that maintain our cells healthy. The body naturally goes through processes like autophagy to maintain the health of our cells, which keeps us healthy.
Autophagy refers to the process undergone by our cells to eliminate waste and defective cells. This process assists our body to purge weakened cells and regrow fresh, stronger ones. According to evidence, intermittent fasting helps to increase the regularity of this process, making our bodies work harder to eradicate any extra waste and dysfunctional cells.
An increase in autophagy can help prevent a variety of illnesses, including cancer, inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological diseases.
- Effective for weight loss and belly fat reduction
Intermittent fasting is a common weight-loss technique for many people. In general, intermittent fasting reduces the number of meals you consume. This way, you’ll get to consume fewer calories, unless you consume a lot during your non-fasting period.
Intermittent fasting also improves hormone function, which makes it easier to lose weight. Increased concentrations of noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and lower levels of insulin all help to break down fat and utilize it for energy. Intermittent fasting helps you burn more calories (raises your metabolic rate) and eat less (reduces calories in).
- Reduced inflammation
Premature aging and the onset of several chronic illnesses may both be attributed to oxidative stress. Researchers believe that intermittent fasting may be an effective way to avoid or delay oxidative damage-induced inflammation, which is linked to an increased risk of illness.
- Promotes the health and function of the brain
By guarding neurons in the brain against degradation and malfunction, intermittent fasting helps to maintain brain health and function, enhance memory and focus levels, and boost brain health.
In neurological conditions including epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke, intermittent fasting may be a helpful treatment, according to recent studies.
Remember that these possible benefits are not limited to fasting alone; less inflammation, decreased body fat, and improved blood sugar levels have all been associated with optimal brain function.
- May lessen insulin resistance
Many people have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in recent years. High blood sugar levels are often characterized by insulin resistance.
Research has revealed that anything that lowers insulin resistance ought to decrease blood sugar levels and prevent type 2 diabetes.
Takeaway
According to research, intermittent fasting may provide a number of health advantages. For instance, intermittent fasting is found to reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic health disorders.
