Friday 06/December/2024 – 08:04 AM
In recent years, intermittent fasting has emerged as a health trend promising benefits ranging from weight loss to improved longevity, but what does science actually say about this eating pattern? Is it something you should think about? Health experts share everything you need to know, according to news18.
Is intermittent fasting a path to health and longevity?
Experts explained that intermittent fasting is not related to what you eat, but rather to when you eat, and it includes alternating periods of fasting and eating. Common methods include the 16/8 method, which is fasting for 16 hours and eating within a time period of 8 hours, and the 5:2 diet, i.e. Eat normally for 5 days and significantly reduce calories on two non-consecutive days, fasting day after day.
Proponents of intermittent fasting claim that it helps regulate insulin levels, promotes fat burning, and even improves brain health, but its most important feature is its ability to prolong life.
The science behind intermittent fasting
A growing body of research suggests that intermittent fasting leads to biological changes that may support health and longevity, and studies published in journals such as Nature and Cell Metabolism highlight several mechanisms:
Improve insulin sensitivity: Fasting helps stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Cellular repair: During fasting, the body activates autophagy, a process in which cells remove damaged components, reducing the risk of age-related diseases.
Brain health: Fasting may boost the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports brain function and protects against neurodegenerative diseases.
Animal studies have shown promising results. For example, fasting extended the lives of rodents and improved their resistance to diseases such as cancer and heart disease. While studies in humans are still ongoing, preliminary results suggest that intermittent fasting may contribute to improved metabolic health. and reducing inflammation, both of which are linked to aging.
