Study says fasting for 16 to 18 hours a day might help you live longer
- New research has revealed some health benefits of abstaining from food for 16 to 18 hours a day
- The research authored by Professor Mark Mattson said intermittent fasting can help in achieving longer life span
- Intermittent fasting can reduce blood pressure, aid in weight loss and improve longevity and has been prescribed to prevent or treat obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease
A new study has shown that abstaining from food for 16 to 18 hours a day can help in treating some health conditions and help to achieve a longer life span.
CNN reports that a review of past animal and human studies in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that intermittent fasting can reduce blood pressure, assist in weight loss and improve life span.
Legit.ng gathered that the study encourages doctors to prescribe fasting to prevent or treat obesity, cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
The research was authored by Mark Mattson, a professor of neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University.
Mattson recommended two types of intermittent fasting: Daily fasting (eating 6-8 hours a day and fasting for 16-18 hours) and weekly fasting (fasting two days a week)
Source: UGC
Doctors are, however, advised to monitor their patients throughout intermittent fasting and gradually increase the duration and frequency of fasting to guide their transition.
One of the study's limitations is that it did not cover the long-term effects of intermittent fasting.
Also, the study admitted that intermittent fasting will almost definitely leave participants hungry, irritable and less able to concentrate in the first few weeks.
PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet!
Similarly, a new study has revealed that eating chilli peppers regularly can cut the risk of death from heart disease and stroke.
Researchers carrying out a study in Italy compared the risk of death among 23,000 people, some of whom ate chilli and some of whom didn't.
Participants' health status and eating habits were monitored over eight years and researchers found that the risk of dying from a heart attack was 40% lower among those eating chili peppers at least four times per week.
According to results published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the study showed that death from stroke was more than halved.
Study lead author Marialaura Bonaccio, an epidemiologist at the Mediterranean Neurological Institute (Neuromed), said protection from mortality risk was independent of the type of diet people followed.
NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better.
What is your favourite Nigerian food? | Legit TV
Source: Legit.ng
