Intermittent Fasting is a dieting pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. During this fasting, calories are consumed during a specific window of the day, while food is not eaten for a larger window of time. In recent years, this type of fasting has gained a lot of popularity. With this type of fasting, you will get lean while your muscle mass is still retained. A full fast is not advisable for beginners because it is both unpleasant and unstainable for a long time.
During intermittent fasting, you don’t need a structured plan.
You can skip meals when you don’t feel like eating. If you decide to follow this natural way of intermittent fasting, ensure that you eat healthy foods at the other meals. It is very important to know that intermittent fasting is not for everyone. This type of fasting is not recommended for people with eating disorder. To reap the Benefits of this type of fasting, you need to avoid junk foods and an excessive amount of calories. Here are the health benefits of intermittent fasting.
1. Weight loss
This type of fasting makes you eat fewer meals, reduces the levels of insulin in the blood, increases the levels of growth hormone, increases metabolic rate, and the amount of noradrenaline, thereby facilitating the burning of fat and its use for energy.
Unlike continuous calorie restrictions, this type of fasting does not cause muscle loss.
2. Protection against type 2 diabetes
Intermittent fasting reduces the level of blood sugar and insulin resistance, which are the major challenges of diabetics. Also, it alleviates the complications of diabetics such as kidney damage, stroke, heart attack, and many more.
3. Reduced inflammation
Intermittent fasting reduces oxidative stress and inflammation caused by tissue reaction. Indirectly, this prevents aging and the development of a wide array of diseases.
4. Heart health
This type of fasting reduces blood pressure, inflammation, bad cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar, which are known to be the main causes of heart diseases.
5. Prevents cancer
When we fast, our body cells remove toxic substances from our bodies. It protects against cancer and Alzheimer. Also, it reduces the side effects of cancer medication and chemotherapy.
6. Boost brain power
Intermittent fasting increases the levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a hormone found in the brain. This improves brain health and helps to reduce brain problems such as depression and anxiety.
7. Extends life span
Intermittent fasting prevents a wide array of diseases thereby helping you live longer and happier.
