DEPENDING on who you talk to, fasting elicits either positive or negative emotions. Some of us cannot live with the thought of disavowing food for more than 12 hours. The more devoutly religious of us are aware of the spiritual benefits of fasting. I’ve always wondered why fasting was a requirement for some religions. After experiencing fasting, I figured it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Once you get through the initial hunger stage, there really is an increased state of mental clarity during the fast.
As more and more scientists and researchers are looking into more ways to make us feel younger and improve our health, nowadays a very common intervention is fasting. What is fasting? Fasting is when we avoid any caloric intake for a longer duration; at least 16 hours. Are there benefits to it? Science says yes. Here they are:
1. It promotes blood sugar control by improving insulin sensitivity.
2. It promotes better health by staving off inflammation.
3. It may enhance heart health by improving blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
4. It may boost brain function and prevent neurodegenerative disorders.
5. It aids in weight loss by limiting caloric intake.
6. It increases growth hormone secretion.
7. It could delay aging and extend longevity.
8. It may aid in cancer prevention and increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
As always, before trying any new health regimen, make sure to consult your doctor. Most people start out with a 16-hour fast, and gradually increase the duration of the fast as they get used to it.