People wrongly assume “fasting” means “starvation.” In fact, fasting isn’t skipping meals or a fad diet either. The actual definition of fasting is “Abstaining from food for a defined period.”
Fasting dates back centuries and plays a central role in many cultures and religions. Abstaining from taking foods or drinks for a set period of time, there are many different ways of fasting.
Fasting has been shown to have many health benefits, from increased weight loss to better brain function and improved gut health. Read below to know various health benefits of fasting.
Here are the fantastic benefits of fasting for your health:
Boosts Brain Function: Several studies have found that fasting could have a powerful effect on brain health. One study in mice showed that practicing intermittent fasting for 11 months improved both brain function and brain structure .
Weight Loss: Short-term fasting may boost metabolism by increasing levels of neurotransmitter or epinephrine, which could enhance weight loss. In fact, one review showed that whole-day fasting could reduce body weight by up to 9% and significantly decrease body fat over 12–24 weeks.
Delay Aging: Several animal studies have found promising results on the potential lifespan-extending effects of fasting. Fasting could be effective in increasing longevity and survival rates.
Aid in Cancer Prevention: Animal and test-tube studies indicate that fasting may benefit the treatment and prevention of cancer. In fact, one rat study found that alternate-day fasting helped block tumour formation.
Boost your Metabolism: Periodic fasting gives rest to your digestive system, thereby helping your body burn more calories. When your digestion is weak, your metabolism becomes weak. This is reset by fasting, which improves your body functions, which in turn speeds up your metabolism.
Reduce the risk of Diabetes: Fasting helps to improve insulin sensitivity. When you indulge in fasting, body can better tolerate carbs than otherwise.
Give a boost to your Immune System: Fasting prevents free radical damage and reduces inflammation in the body, in return strengthening the immune system.
Live for Longer: The lesser food you eat, the longer you live. As you age, the metabolism slows down, and it becomes difficult to digest foods as easily as when you were young. When you fast, you eat less than regular, reducing the burden to your digestive organs, promoting longevity.
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