With calorie restriction being a very popular modern style of diet, some studies have shown a variety of different benefits that can come from fasting intermittently. While the idea of extremely limiting the amount of food you eat is not very appealing to most people, intermittent fasting allows for many of the same benefits that have been shown from calorie restriction but in a way that is more palatable to the majority of dieters. Before jumping onto the bandwagon of the next big “fad diet,” take a closer look at intermittent fasting a solution for weight loss, fitness, or just a healthier lifestyle.
1. Increased longevity. The idea that eating less will actually increase your life span may be hard to swallow, but studies have shown remarkably consistent data to that effect. Now, this doesn’t mean that starving yourself will give you a longer life. But, with a healthy lifestyle and a solid intermittent fasting plan, you can definitely begin working towards a longer and healthier lifespan.
2. Stronger Resistance to Stress. One major health benefit of intermittent fasting is resistance to stress. Most people are now aware of the negative effects stress can have on the body. Besides lowering the quality of life, stress causes the brain to release chemicals that can actually harm the organs and restrict the body’s proper function. The added resistance to stress alone is a powerful enough reason to consider intermittent fasting.
3. Increased Mental Clarity. With the modern working world moving at such a fast pace, it can be difficult for your mind to keep up with all of the tasks that you need to accomplish in any given day. As tasks build up, most people have more and more difficulty keeping track of what they need to be doing and where they need to be. Intermittent fasting can effectively reduce this workload through efficiency. With a clearer mind, it is possible to accomplish tasks faster and more effectively. As a result, tasks will be less likely to build up. This, of course, is another way that a healthy lifestyle that includes intermittent fasting can help reduce stress and increase the quality of life. Intermittent fasting has also been shown to increase memory function and learning capabilities.
4. Normalizing Insulin and Leptin Levels. Although the average lay person may not understand the importance of normalizing insulin and leptin levels, it doesn’t make it any less important to your health. For optimal health, insulin and leptin must be in proper balance in your body. Intermittent fasting goes a long way to help achieve this.
5. Lowers Triglycerides. High levels of triglycerides are associated with a variety of serious illnesses including coronary heart disease, fatty liver disease, and diabetes. With a healthy diet that includes intermittent fasting, you can lower your triglyceride levels and help to fight off these serious and life threatening illnesses.
For more information on the many health benefits of intermittent fasting, you can read this article. Get the most out of your mind and body and take the time to become better informed. A healthier lifestyle means a happier life.
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