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

Type 2 diabetes is a common health problem nowadays and it associated with high blood sugar and insulin resistance. Studies show that intermittent fasting is beneficial and in lowering blood sugar levels and improving insulin resistance, which subsequently lowers the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. (6, 7, 8)

5. Lowers Oxidative Stress and Improves Inflammations

Oxidative stress is one of the main causes of many chronic diseases due to the damage done by free radicals on proteins, DNA, and other important molecules. Studies show that intermittent fasting lowers oxidative stress and helps our bodies in fighting inflammations. (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)

4. Improves Heart Health

Heart problems are the top cause of death in the world. Studies show that intermittent fasting can eliminate many risk factors such as High blood pressure, LDL, the bad cholesterol, overall cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar levels. (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)

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)