What Is Intermittent Fasting And Why Is It Fashionable?

2023 Author: Leslie Forster | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 07:36

Although at first glance the term 'intermittent fasting' sounds like one more diet, the truth is that many people (and some celebrities) have resorted to this habit as a form of healthy lifestyle

As its name implies, intermittent fasting consists of voluntarily depriving yourself of eating food for a set period. Two of the alternatives that have become more popular in recent years are 16: 8 and 5: 2. That is, 16 hours of fasting and eight hours of eating normally; or, five days of normal food consumption, with two days of fasting.

Although intermittent fasting has been in the conduct of the human being throughout history for religious reasons, it seems that recently humanity has turned again to this old custom. The same can be verified thanks to the levels of Google search for terms such as 'intermittent fasting' and 'intermittent fasting'.

In the United States, from 2017 to the end of 2019, search levels for the terms 'intermittent fasting' and 'intermittent fasting' went from 17 to 100 percent. This shows us that recently people have been more interested in learning more about this method. And more, during the month of December.

But if it is the first time that you hear this term, you will be interested to know that there is still a lot of controversy around intermittent fasting since there are no scientific studies that support its results.

A study carried out by Harvard University in laboratory rats allowed specialists to see that intermittent fasting in these animals helped them lose weight and reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels. However, these studies have not been conducted in humans, so the real benefits in our body are unknown.

Nonetheless, celebrities like Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, and Kourtney Kardashian have come out on top of intermittent fasting.

Intermittent fasting is said to allow insulin levels to drop in the body, which helps fat burning be more effective. Furthermore, it is also believed to regulate cholesterol levels.

However, you should know that intermittent fasting is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant, lactating, eating disorders and under 18 years should refrain from practicing this method. Before practicing it, do not forget to go to your doctor to find out if it is a recommended practice for you.