Fasting may confer long-term health benefits, according to researchers at the Intermountain Medical Centre's Heart Institute in Utah. They have carried out a new study which looks at the impact of regular fasting on the risks of developing diabetes and heart disease, taking advantage of the unique habits of Utah's substantial Mormon population (who routinely fast at least once a month). Their data suggests that fasting is leading to long-term health benefits for that group. Although fasting is part of the culture of various other religious groups, not many of them do it on such a regular basis.
According to researcher Dr Benjamin Horne, the fall in the number of people smoking has led to reduced rates of cardiac mortality in most US states, but the rate in Utah was considerably lower still. Obviously, Mormons are not the only religious group that fast, but the regularity with which they do so is very much atypical.
The concept is simple. Fasting forces the body to burn fat as a source of energy, which reduces the total number of fat cells present. That means lower levels of cholesterol, and increased insulin sensitivity (hence a reduced risk of diabetes).
This research has its roots in a 2007 study, which established a link between fasting and a decreased risk of heart disease. Researchers now claim to have found evidence that fasting can have a favourable impact on body weight in addition to blood sugar and triglyceride levels. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of research into the health benefits of fasting, and doctors are keen to explore this area further. They are especially interested in finding out whether fasting might be advantageous for people already suffering from heart disease or diabetes.
Notwithstanding the optimistic messages about fasting that have come out of this research, it's critical to be conscious of the fact that fasting comes with its own risks - it can actually be unsafe in many circumstances. If you want to safeguard your health in later life, there are plenty of other, better-researched steps you can take. If you are thinking about fasting at all, it's imperative that you discuss this with your doctor before proceeding.
According to researcher Dr Benjamin Horne, the fall in the number of people smoking has led to reduced rates of cardiac mortality in most US states, but the rate in Utah was considerably lower still. Obviously, Mormons are not the only religious group that fast, but the regularity with which they do so is very much atypical.
The concept is simple. Fasting forces the body to burn fat as a source of energy, which reduces the total number of fat cells present. That means lower levels of cholesterol, and increased insulin sensitivity (hence a reduced risk of diabetes).
This research has its roots in a 2007 study, which established a link between fasting and a decreased risk of heart disease. Researchers now claim to have found evidence that fasting can have a favourable impact on body weight in addition to blood sugar and triglyceride levels. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of research into the health benefits of fasting, and doctors are keen to explore this area further. They are especially interested in finding out whether fasting might be advantageous for people already suffering from heart disease or diabetes.
Notwithstanding the optimistic messages about fasting that have come out of this research, it's critical to be conscious of the fact that fasting comes with its own risks - it can actually be unsafe in many circumstances. If you want to safeguard your health in later life, there are plenty of other, better-researched steps you can take. If you are thinking about fasting at all, it's imperative that you discuss this with your doctor before proceeding.
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