Fasting is a centuries old practice that is present in many religious and cultures.

Today, fasting is also a popular dieting trend.

So…what is fasting?

Google defines fasting as: ‘to abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink.’

That seems to be a lot of grey area.

One popular means of fasting is to do what is called intermittent fasting, which is where one cycles between periods of eating and fasting.

And according to science, fasting has many health benefits, from physical to neurological.

Here are 6 science based benefits of fasting:

 

What Fasting Does To The Body - OTG Fitness

1) It Boosts Metabolism While Lowering Calories.

Many people look to drop a few pounds by fasting.

Research has shown that short-term fasting increases levels of norepinephrine, which can enhance weight loss.

One example showed that whole-day fasting could reduce body weight by up to 9%.

Further, another review suggests fasting was found to be better at losing fat (while keeping muscle) than lowering one’s calorie intake.

 

What Fasting Does To The Body - OTG Fitness

2) It Improves Cholesterol Levels and Blood Pressure.

Making a change to your diet is an effective way to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Some research has discovered that intermittent fasting may be helpful with your heart health.

One study revealed that eight weeks of alternate-day fasting reduced levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol by 25%. Additionally, blood triglycerides saw a drop of 32%.

Another study in obese adults found that three weeks of intermittent fasting (under medical supervision) significantly decreased blood pressure, triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Yet another study suggested fasting would lower the risk of coronary artery disease and diabetes.

 

What Fasting Does To The Body - OTG Fitness

3) It Reduces Insulin Resistance Controlling Blood Sugar.