How to start intermittent fasting: 8 reasons why you should start it now

Yes, we have heard about intermittent fasting and the benefits of intermittent fasting for the body.  The intermittent diet of fasting depends on fasting for a long continuous period of “16 hours a day” and eating in the remaining 8 hours of the day.

In addition to being useful in losing weight, the intermittent fasting system is not considered a strict diet, as it enables you to eat many of the foods you prefer, and it provides many health benefits to the body as well.
What are the benefits of intermittent fasting for health

As we mentioned, the intermittent fasting diet helps to lose weight, and it also provides many health benefits for the body, which include the following:

1- Intermittent fasting can reduce the risk of diabetes

Diabetes affects millions of people around the world, as it is considered one of the most common diseases around the world. And a person may develop diabetes if the body fails to produce insulin, “type 1 diabetes” or its body becomes insulin-resistant, “type 2 diabetes”, both of which significantly affect the lifestyle of the sick person. Fortunately, intermittent fasting helps people with diabetes reverse the insulin resistance of type 2 diabetes. And many studies indicate that people with type II diabetes, when they rely on the periodic fasting system three times a week, has led to a decrease in blood sugar and weight as well.

And some studies done with type 2 diabetes indicate that intermittent fasting helped reduce blood glucose levels in people who were tested. Also, it has improved blood glucose balance. Therefore, intermittent fasting may be safe for patients with type 2 diabetes, but it is best to consult a doctor first before starting on this healthy diet.

2- Intermittent fasting may improve heart health

Heart diseases are the leading cause of death in the world, and malnutrition and lifestyle choices are among the leading causes of heart disease. Intermittent fasting helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Intermittent fasting reduces harmful cholesterol in the blood, reduces abdominal fat, and lowers the Leptin hormone “hunger hormone.” And one of the studies published in the American Journal of Cardiology shows that people who fast interactively are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

3- Intermittent fasting reduces oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is the accumulation of free oxygen molecules in the body, which is reduced due to increased metabolism in the body, dead cells, and pollutants. And antioxidant enzymes help reduce oxidative stress, and researchers have found that intermittent fasting increases the levels of antioxidant enzymes in obese people.

Some studies also show that intermittent fasting increases the level of Glutathione in the blood, which helps to reduce oxidative stress in test animals, which helps improve heart health and reduce the risk of chronic heart disease.

4- Intermittent fasting helps reduce blood pressure

High blood pressure is one of the most common diseases in the world. Fortunately, people with high blood pressure can rely on an intermittent fasting diet that helps to lower blood pressure effectively. And the experiments conducted on some women between the ages of 46 and 62 years showed an apparent decrease in blood pressure by relying on the intermittent fasting diet.

5- Intermittent fasting may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s, an autoimmune disease, causes memory loss. But research indicates that intermittent fasting is effective in enhancing the brain’s ability to restructure its functions and prevent memory loss. Besides medications and exercise, you can count on intermittent fasting to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

And one of the studies conducted in mice indicates that intermittent fasting for four weeks suggests that intermittent fasting may help to prevent memory loss effectively by maintaining cell membrane protein in the brain, which is useful in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

6- Intermittent fasting helps reduce inflammation

Many chronic diseases such as pressure, diabetes, and heart disease may help to increase inflammation in the body. When you rely on the intermittent fasting diet, this causes increased levels of the hormone Adiponectin, which helps reduce inflammation.

The researchers found that intermittent fasting helped to reduce inflammation and lose weight effectively, and it also helps reduce signs of inflammation in the body and maintain brain function.

7- Intermittent fasting helps reduce belly fat

Intermittent fasting helps to lose weight, as it also reduces harmful cholesterol and body mass index and reduces belly fat as well. Scientists have found that intermittent fasting leads to lower waist circumference compared to calorie-restricted diets.

8- Intermittent fasting improves sleep quality

Sleep disorders increase the risk of many diseases and affect a person’s mental health. Reports indicate that intermittent fasting can improve the quality of sleep in obese people. And a study conducted on fasting in April and May confirmed that fasting increases sleep during the day, but at the same time, it helps to get more sleep.

Intermittent fasting is not only considered an effective weight loss diet, but it also offers many health benefits to the body in general. There are many ways in which you can rely on this diet, but the 16: 8 system is the most famous of all “16 hours of fasting and 8 hours of eating”. Remember to always consult with your dietitian before starting to rely on an intermittent fasting system.