For some people, fasting is a way to cleanse the body of toxins. For others, it’s a religious or spiritual practice.
While some health experts have questioned its safety — particularly when used in the extreme — fasting proponents have praised its value. Fasting has been linked in several studies to weight loss, immune system benefits and brain function.
A new review of both human and animal studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that intermittent fasting could yield health benefits including decreased blood pressure, lower stress and weight loss.
Preliminary research also shows intermittent fasting could help brain health with early studies finding a link between calorie-restricted diets and improved memory.
“We are at a transition point where we could soon consider adding information about intermittent fasting to medical school curricula alongside standard advice about healthy diets and exercise,” study author Mark Mattson, a professor of neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University, said in a statement.
I – Word Understanding
Fasting – going without food for eight or more hours
Intermittent fasting – an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and
fasting. Most popular is 16/8 where you fast for 1 hours and eat in the next 8 hrs
Proponents – supporters or promoters
Curricula – lessons and academic contents taught in school
II – Have Your Say
1. Fasting has been widely practiced for spiritual purposes but recent studies have been made on its health benefits, both physical and mental. Have you ever tried fasting? What do you think about fasting?
2. Fasting is done by some who want to lose weight. However some experts believe it can be damaging to a person’s well being and may not be effective for in the long term compared to the usual calorie restricting diets. What do you think are the most effective and safe ways to lose weight? What are the reasons you might want to lose weight?
3. Here are some types of intermittent fasting that has become popular recently. Share your opinion:
a. 5:2 diet — People on this fasting diet fast for two non-consecutive days and then eat whatever they want for the remaining five days a week.
b. Alternate day fasting — This is an every-other-day diet where you eat what you want one day, then fast (about 500-600 calories) the next day.
c. 8-hour diet — Here, you eat in any 8-hour window during the day and then fast for the remaining 16 hours. It’s sometimes referred to as the 16:8 diet.
