Top 7 Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
The most common reason why people follow intermittent fasting is weight loss. However, there are numerous health benefits for intermittent fasting such as stabilizing blood sugar levels and improving heart health. Here are the top 7 health benefits of intermittent fasting.
7. Weight Loss
On intermittent fasting, you will eat less. However, this is not the only way you lose weight. You will also cut the night snacking meals and limit your calorie intake throughout the day. Studies show that intermittent fasting makes people lose weight because it improves metabolism too. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
6. Reduces the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
5. Lowers Oxidative Stress and Improves Inflammations
4. Improves Heart Health
3. Helps in Preventing Cancers
Intermittent fasting improves metabolism significantly, which reduces the risk of getting certain types of cancers. Animal studies show that fasting is promising in preventing cancers. Human studies also show that fasting can decrease many chemotherapy’s side effects. (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
2. Enhances Brain Functions
Intermittent fasting improves a lot of metabolic aspects, which are essential for maintaining normal brain functions such as lowering oxidative stress, reducing inflammations, regulating blood sugar levels, and improving insulin resistance. It is also associated with increasing BDNF hormone, which is essential in preventing depression and other brain problems. (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
1. Fights Aging and Increase Life Span
Intermittent fasting lowers oxidative stress, which is associated with aging. It also has the ability to extend lifespan. Studies show that continuous calorie restriction has the ability to make animals live longer. (34, 35, 36)