What is intermittent fasting?
It is the practice of eating regularly for a certain number of days in a row, without purposefully restricting the amount of food you eat. Various intermittent fasting regimens include periods of regular eating, but also periods where you fast for as long as possible.
What are the main benefits of intermittent fasting?
1. Reduces risk of developing diseases
A daily restriction in eating can lead to a significant reduction in body weight and reduced levels of fat. It also promotes faster normalization of the metabolism. When you lose weight, your body’s insulin sensitivity improves as you burn more calories as fuel. The lower rates of insulin secretion into the bloodstream improve glucose tolerance and reduces the chances of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. You can improve your overall health by becoming healthier by not gaining too much weight and by maintaining a healthy body weight for your height.
2. Improves brain health
The potential health benefits of intermittent fasting are not only physical but mental as well. Fasting has also been shown to induce positive changes in the brain that lead to improvements in cognitive function, communication between neurons, and long-term neuronal health. It is believed that the production of new neurons (neurogenesis) could help prevent the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Suppresses inflammation
Although the exact mechanisms are not entirely understood, intermittent fasting does appear to reduce systemic inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a major risk factor in many diseases and conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression, and [the process of aging]. By reducing excess inflammation in the body and helping to improve immune function, intermittent fasting may help prevent or delay the onset of diseases associated with chronic inflammatory reactions.
It is becoming increasingly evident that regular intermittent fasting and healthy eating significantly contribute to your overall health, which is why more and more people are starting to incorporate these practices into their daily lives.
