Eating a healthy diet can help you live longer, but recent studies have revealed that eating less will help even more. Some population groups living in Blue Zones regularly consume less, yet they are some of the longest-living and healthiest people in the world.
Overeating can lead to health problems. There is plenty of food available in this country when you have the money for it, and partying usually involves a lot of food – and binge eating. Because of this, many Americans often indulge themselves when they eat and suffer for it.
Fast food and snack foods usually have a lot of calories and salt in them, which can make you want to eat more. Although occasional overeating is not a problem, doing it often can be. Usually, the body can process it, but it takes time. Extra calories will be stored in fat, resulting in weight gain, unless enough exercise can counteract it.
Studies conducted on animals and people found that diets that were like fasting were able to help reduce the symptoms of diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. The calorie restriction also increases the time the animal or human can enjoy a disease-free life.
Another benefit of occasional fasting or reducing calories is that it helps the body remove aging cells faster and slow the aging process. Many types of animals, insects, and worms lived much longer than normal after having their daily food reduced by about 30%. The food contained all the needed nutrients they needed.
Research that has taken place since the 1930s has shown that life extension was possible with calorie reduction. People living in the Blue Zones in the world (Okinawa, Japan; Icaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Sardinia, Italy) live longer than others in the rest of the world. The Okinawans regularly eat less by about 30%.
Instead of outright fasting, intermittent fasting may produce similar results. This method, which is more appealing to most people, only requires skipping a meal now and then – or a whole day now and then. They can still feast occasionally but need to consume fewer calories than when you eat whatever you want.
It will have similar results health-wise and may have the effects of better control of your sugar and better insulin sensitivity, which will reduce your risk of diabetes. Intermittent fasting can help delay diseases – the ones that often lead to early death.
Animal studies have also shown that fasting alters the brain. Enough human studies have taken place to reveal similar effects. When fasting, there is an improvement in cognitive performance; the brain can more easily adapt to changes and reorganization (neuroplasticity), improving alertness and memory. There is also an enhancement of physical performance.
People who fast often report better concentration, emotional health, and even better sleep. It has also helped to slow brain deterioration in animal studies.
The ability to live longer involves much more than your genes. Intermittent fasting may be your key to help preserve your brain, longevity, and better health. Before starting, check with your doctor to ensure it is safe to do so – especially if you are pregnant or have other existing health problems.
