Intermittent fasting is a way to eat food at designated hours. You have hours for eating and fasting. There are different approaches but the most renowned one is 16:8 which means squeezing your full day food in just 8 hours and fasting for 16 hours. But why would someone choose this type of eating in comparison to standard eating. Well, people say that you have numerous intermittent fasting benefits. Some of them are given below:
- Weight loss
A lot of people begin IF to shed weight. If anyone’s hoping for quick weight loss, then IF is the option for them. It is sustainable and can help you lose weight off in the short and long run. If you follow a proper diet, then this fasting can be effective.
- Low blood pressure
It may help in lowering blood pressure in the short term. People practicing intermittent fasting have noticed great reduction in systolic blood pressure in comparison to any other diet. An unhealthy blood pressure can increase risk of heart problems, kidney issues and stroke. However, with IF you can control your blood pressure and bring it to initial levels.
- Low inflammation
IF and common calorie limitation can lower inflammation levels in your body. The study revealed that intermittent fasting lowers your inflammation more than usual just like blood pressure, body fat.
- Low cholesterol
A lot of people face obesity. With 5:2 intermittent fasting, you can lower your total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. LDL is the bad cholesterol and enhances the risk of heart problems and stroke. However, research is going on to find out if the effects of IF are short term or long lasting on cholesterol.
- Great results for stroke survivors
With good cholesterol levels and low BP, you can majorly lower the risk of stroke. But, these aren’t just the benefits which stroke patients can get. With this way of eating, you can easily ward off any brain injury. Researchers also suggest that IF can aid post stroke recovery.
- Enhanced brain function
IF may also enhance your mental concentration and acuity. It helps in securing the decline of memory which people face with aging. Intermittent Fasting also enhances connections in the hippocampus of the brain and safeguard against amyloid plaques, seen in Alzheimer’s patients.
There are several other benefits of Intermittent Fasting. Speak to a nutritionist or dietician to find out the best diet as per your body.