10 Benefits of the 16:8 Diet
The 16:8 diet, also referred to as intermittent fasting, has gained popularity over the last few years. Fasting has been practiced for thousands of years and is a way of life across many cultures around the globe. Today, new varieties of fasting put a twist on the ancient practice such as the 16:8 method. Intermittent fasting is time-restricted fasting done to lose weight and achieve overall better health.
The 16:8 intermittent fasting method is one of the most popular styles of fasting due to its convenience and sustainability. Here’s how to follow the 16:8 diet: spend 16 hours of each day consuming nothing but unsweetened drinks such as water, black coffee, and tea. The remaining 8-hour window, you are free to eat all of your meals and snacks. Most people begin fasting after dinner around 8pm, skip breakfast, and then eat their first meal around noon. No foods are off limit during the 8-hour window.
The 16:8 diet is easy to follow and can provide real results with minimal effort. In addition to weight loss, this diet has been associated with many other benefits. Keep reading to discover the top 10 benefits the 16:8 diet has to offer.
Disclaimer: The information in this content is for general informational purposes only, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle.
Cellular Repair Processes
When following the 16:8 diet, the cells in the body initiate a cellular “waste removal” process called autophagy. This is when cells break down and metabolize the broken proteins that build up over time. Increased autophagy may provide protection against several diseases including Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.
Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Issues
Cardiovascular disease is one of the world’s biggest killers. Intermittent fasting has been said to improve many different risk factors including, blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, inflammatory markers, and blood sugar levels.
Reduced Insulin Resistance
Research suggests that the 16:8 diet can vastly reduce and possibly even reverse insulin resistance. Lower insulin resistance reduces risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.
Cancer Protection
Extended Life Span
Many scientists believe the 16:8 diet can improve longevity. Theories support that intermittent fasting can improve tissue function and delay various diseases; therefore, extending one’s lifespan.
Boosted Brain Function
Recent studies show that the 16:8 diet map improve mental acuity and concentration. According to John Hopkins Health Review, it can protect against amyloid plaques, which are found in patients with Alzheimer’s.
Lower Cholesterol
Intermittent fasting can decrease your low-density lipoprotein, also known as LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is the “bad” cholesterol that can raise your risk of heart disease or stroke.
Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation helps the body fights infection, but if there is too much inflammation that can lead to various diseases such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Many experts say that inflammation can be caused by eating too much and too often. Several recent studies prove that the 16:8 diet really does reduce inflammation within the body.
Lower Blood Pressure
Intermittent fasting has been linked to help reduce blood pressure in the short term. Having a healthy blood pressure is important, and the 16:8 diet can help you accomplish that. Research shows that the blood pressure benefits only last while practicing the 16:8 diet.
Weight Loss
Many people initially start the 16:8 diet to lose weight. To keep it simple, intermittent fasting can put your body into a state of ketosis, which means your body starts burning fat for energy instead of carbs. When your body is burning fat verses carbs for energy, you begin losing weight.
