7 Health Benefits Of Intermittent Fasting

If you are on a journey to weight loss, you must have come across the term Intermittent Fasting. It is widely popular and known to reduce weight in individuals. But apart from it, there are several health benefits of intermittent fasting. But before knowing that, here is the answer to the most asked question:

What Is Intermittent Fasting?

In simple terms, Intermittent Fasting is a practice where one schedules 12-16 hours in a day to not consume any food. For example, if a person consumes dinner at 9 PM, the next meal would be around 11 AM. Usually, our food is the energy source for our body. But by doing this, your body burns the stored fat for energy since there is no food to be found to use as an energy source.

There are several health benefits to our body practising intermittent fasting. Like:

1) Weight Loss

This is the most popular benefit of why people practice intermittent fasting. When your body doesn't consume food for 12-16 hours a day, there will be a deficit in your overall calorie intake, and your body burns the stored fat for energy which can lead to losing weight.

2) Reduces Inflammation

Heart disease, Cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases are associated with Chronic Inflammation. By reducing the Inflammation marker in our body, there is a possibility to lighten the risk of these conditions. This can be achieved to an extent with intermittent fasting.

3) Increase In Lifespan

Studies show that there have been links to potential longevity in lifespan when one restricts the overall calorie intake. Intermittent fasting can help you to reduce Inflammation and Oxidative Stress. This means a sign of healthy ageing and a potential increase in one's lifespan is possible.

4) Mental Clarity

Several reports say that fasting may lead to mental clarity and focus. This is due to the production of BDNF (Brain-Deprived Neurotrophic Factor). BDNF is a protein that promotes new neurons. When there is growth in new neurons, it can lead to positive effects on overall brain health and one's cognition.

5) Simple To Practice

The practice of intermittent fasting is widely popular because it's easy to adapt. In our busy lifestyle, incorporating different methods of intermittent fasting like:- 14/10 (14 hours of fasting and 10 hours of eating) or 16/8 is easy, unlike other forms of diet practice for weight loss that suggest specific foods and timings.

6) Enhances Sensitivity In Insulin

To maintain stable blood sugar, it is crucial to have a solid sensitivity in our insulin. Intermittent fasting does this task right because studies have shown an increase in insulin sensitivity. Apart from maintaining blood sugar, an increase in insulin sensitivity can avoid Type 2 diabetes as well.

Autophagy (A process where the cells that are damaged are recycled and removed) may improve the overall efficiency of cellular function. This process of Autophagy is possible through regular Intermittent fasting. Apart from this, the process of Autophagy may also protect our bodies against age-related diseases.

Conclusion

While there are several benefits, it is crucial to note that this practice may not be entirely suitable for everyone. Especially people who have a record of medical conditions or genetic disorders.

Consult an expert dietician before trying intermittent fasting.