List of Intermittent Fasting Benefits — More than Just Weight Loss
INTERMITTENT FASTING BENEFITS – Here are some of the things that actually happen inside the body when you do intermittent fasting.
Nowadays, several ways for weight loss have achieved massive popularity. One of these is a form of fasting or not eating for several hours — the intermittent fasting. A lot of men and women claimed they were able to drop several pounds after getting used to this type of diet.
Intermittent Fasting refers to a diet wherein a person does not eat for a period of time each day or week. In beginners’ cases, it is suggested that the non-fasting hours will be at least 9 hours. During the fasting hours, you can drink water or juice everytime you feel like starving. A lot of people prefer sleeping or doing some works to forget their cravings.
In some cases of those who are under this type of fasting for months or years already, they can stand not eating for a day. However, this is not suggested for everyone. You should seek your doctor’s advise first before going into that extent. That is why it is not included in most weight loss tips.
The intermittent fasting benefits is not just actually weight loss. There are several advantages as this type of diet can actually do a lot to the body.
Lowers the risk for Type 2 Diabetes
Intermittent Fasting can help reduce the body’s resistance to insulin decreasing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes as per Healthline. A human study showed that this type of fasting lowers the fasting blood sugar by 3% to 6% in the course of 8-12 weeks in people.
Reduces oxidative stress
Oxidative stress is one of the main triggers of several chronic diseases and aging. Several studies showed that fasting can help boost the resistance of the body against oxidative stress. It can also help fight inflammation.
Healthy for the heart
Based on the article, one of the intermittent fasting benefits is its ability to boost the heart health by promoting healthy levels of blood sugar, blood pressure, triglycerides, and total and LDL cholesterol.
Reduces risk of cancer
Fasting does not only help promote a healthy metabolic rate but also reduces the risk of cancer as per both human and animal studies. There are also proofs showing that fasting reduces the chemotherapy effects.
Healthy for the brain
Based on the article, intermittent fasting helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, improve insulin resistance, and boost healthy blood sugar level. It also increases the brain hormone called “brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)”. The deficiency of the said hormone is linked to depression cases.