Fasting has been around since the beginning of human history and is still being practiced today by an overwhelming majority of cultures around the world. But why do people fast? Should you fast? In this article, we’ll explore the incredible health benefits of intermittent fasting, as well as how it may be able to help you maintain your healthy lifestyle even with high-calorie dietary choices and heavy physical activity.
Intermittent fasting increases Longevity
Fasting increases Longevity by decreasing the release of damaging free radicals, increasing insulin sensitivity, and preventing age-related neuronal degeneration. Research has also shown that fasting improves the body's use of cholesterol, resulting in lowered levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (the bad type), and triglycerides. Increased longevity is undoubtedly a huge benefit of intermittent fasting, but it doesn't stop there. More energy? Improved sex drive? Reduced feelings of hunger and control over food cravings? It seems as though intermittent fasting benefits your health in just about every way possible.
This boosts your Energy
As the fast increases in length, studies have shown that intermittent fasting causes ketones to be released into the bloodstream. Ketones are energy sources derived from fat. When you’re in a state of ketosis, your body doesn’t have to burn off sugars for energy. With this saved source of glucose on hand, your brain becomes more active, thinking becomes clearer and memory improves as long as it has fuel to work with. Your energy levels will increase during an intermittent fast also because there is less demand on the pancreas to release insulin which regulates blood sugar levels by returning any excess glucose into the bloodstream.
Improves Brain Function
Intermittent fasting is quickly growing in popularity as a way to lose weight and improve overall health. One major benefit that intermittent fasting offers is that it can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Several studies have shown that intermittent fasting can lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which are key components of type 2 diabetes prevention.
Increased Long-Term Weight Loss Effectiveness
Intermittent fasting is said to provide long-term benefits, both in terms of weight loss and overall health. Regularly cycling between periods of eating and fasting can help the body conserve energy, and reduce the risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease, while also protecting against normal brain aging. Improved Body Composition and Fat Loss
Many people believe that intermittent fasting can be beneficial for weight loss and fat burning. Although this idea is largely unsubstantiated by scientific evidence, it has been shown that intermittent fasting can have some health benefits. There are many advantages to fasting intermittently. One major benefit is weight loss. Another advantage is improved body composition and fat loss which can aid in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes among other conditions.
Protects Against Oxidative Stress, Cancer, Neurological Diseases, and Heart Disease
Intermittent fasting isn't just for weight loss- it's an incredibly powerful tool for reducing the oxidative stress that builds up in our bodies with age. Studies show intermittent fasting protects against several illnesses, including cancer, neurological diseases, and heart disease. In fact, it has been shown to protect against three specific types of cancer: breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer.
Many other studies have demonstrated health benefits from intermittent fasting as well.
Boosts Immune System Function and Reduces Inflammation
Intermittent fasting has proven to be one of the most powerful tools in health. A recent study found that just a single 24-hour fast can improve an individual's immune system function,
reduce inflammation and increase life span. There are plenty of other benefits including improved metabolic function, reduced risk for diabetes, decreased appetite, and lower levels of ghrelin (the hunger hormone). Who knew eating less could be so good for you? The results have been staggering. One group fasted every other day for two weeks. They lost 3% body fat without any changes to their diet or exercise routine! Eating less not only helps us lose weight but also protects our organs from damage caused by free radicals. Another benefit is having more energy throughout the day which will help with your workouts too! Plus with intermittent fasting, we get rid of any emotional overeating habits because there is no food available all day long...
