There are a number of great benefits to doing a 24 hour fast. These include better cardiovascular health, increased fat burning mechanisms, and reduced cravings for unhealthy snack foods. You’ll be surprised by just how much you can benefit from a fast!
Reduces cravings for unhealthy snack foods
A recent study from the University of Arizona Health Sciences found that a 24 hour fast may be the best way to ward off junk food cravings. Although a full day without consuming anything is not for everyone, a 24 hour fast does have its merits, and should be considered as a means to lose weight and live healthier. During your 24 hour fast, you can eat dinner at a reasonable time, such as six o’clock on Sunday, or you can skip out on the evening meal altogether and finish up your last meal of the day after noon on Monday.
There are many ways to go about fasting for a day, but choosing the best one for you is up to you. If you are new to the whole concept, a dietetic professional can help you figure out what works for your body type. The good news is that a 24 hour fast is not as difficult as it sounds.
Improves cardiovascular health
Fasting is a healthy lifestyle choice and has been shown to have beneficial effects on the body. It can reduce inflammation and improve weight control, which are both important factors in cardiovascular health. There are different ways of fasting, including Alternate Day Fasting and Intermittent Fasting, each of which has its own benefits. Depending on your particular goals, you may want to consult your physician before starting any type of fasting regimen.
A new study shows that a 24-hour fasting regimen can be beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Researchers studied 67 participants over the course of six months. While there were no significant changes in cholesterol or LDL, there was a positive impact on markers for metabolic syndrome. They also found that the BDNF factor, a protein that is found in the brain and involved in a number of cellular processes, was increased in the group that fasted for 24 hours. This is the same factor that allows the vagus nerve to release acetylcholine, which helps protect the heart from blood clots and reduces blood pressure.
These results may not be surprising, especially since the Mediterranean diet has been linked to improved cardiovascular health. However, it’s worth noting that the original clinical trial that these findings were drawn from wasn’t designed to measure the effects of fasting on galectin-3, which is another important protein that plays a role in reducing inflammation. That could mean that the increase in galectin-3 in the fasting group could be an adaptive response.
The American Heart Association published these findings in their scientific journals, which are used to share research and discuss topics related to heart health. While the news stories do not necessarily reflect the official position of the American Heart Association, they do cover health topics such as stroke and heart disease. Considering that many people are at risk for cardiovascular problems, it’s important to take steps to ensure that they’re as healthy as possible. Whether that means following a specific fasting regimen or sticking to a healthier lifestyle, it’s never too late to start making improvements to your health.