What Does Science Say About Intermittent Fasting?
What do Nicole Kidman, Gisele Bündchen, and Kourtney Kardashian all have in common? Well, according to the internet, they all swear by intermittent fasting. Whether you’re ready to hop on the bandwagon or would prefer to stick to your three meals a day, there’s no question that this health trend has its benefits.
What is intermittent fasting? Intermittent fasting is all about partially or entirely abstaining from eating for a set period, with the 16:8 method being the most popular. This fasting plan involves a 16-hour fasting window and eight hours of eating. For example, people may choose to eat only between the following hours:
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- noon to 8 p.m
Here are 5 benefits of intermittent fasting that are backed by science:
Can help you lose weight: While this may not be one of the biggest advantages of dabbling in the world of intermittent fasting, it is a benefit nonetheless. Studies have shown that this form of fasting helps improve hormone function, which facilitates weight loss. It also helps boost your metabolism while restricting the number of calories you consume in a day. However, the results may be short-lived and are not always effective when attempting to keep the kilos off. Pairing an intermittent fasting style that suits your lifestyle alongside a well-balanced eating plan may help you achieve better results.
Excerpted from Capetown etc.
