Fasting-like diets have garnered considerable attention in recent years. This dietary approach involves periods of restricted calorie intake, mimicking the physiological effects of fasting without complete food deprivation. A newly published study indicates that participants’ biological ages appeared to be lowered by 2 ½ years on average. This happens when they follow a diet that resembles fasting five days a month.
What Is The 5-Day Fasting Diet?
Fasting-like diets encompass a range of dietary patterns that involve alternating cycles of eating and fasting. A newly published study indicated that participants’ biological ages appeared to be lowered by 2 ½ years on average when they followed a diet that resembled fasting for five days a month. In contrast to chronological age, biological age describes the state of function of tissues and cells. The diet provides the necessary nutrients while simulating the consequences of fasting on water alone. A 24- to 72-hour water-only fast entails consuming nothing but water.
This five-day diet is low in calories, carbs, and protein and high in unsaturated fats. Men and women between the ages of 18 and 70 participated in two clinical trials where the effects of the diet were investigated. Following the diet for five days and maintaining a regular diet for the remaining twenty-five days, participants in the fasting-mimicking diet underwent three to four monthly cycles.
Age chronologically describes a person’s length of life, whereas biological age defines the state of a person’s cells and tissues. According to both clinical trials, individuals who adhered to the diet had, on average, 2.5 years less biological ageing signs. However, researchers continue to question the phrase because younger cells may not always signify better health.
Are There Benefits Of Fasting-Like Diets?
Fasting-like diets encompass a range of dietary patterns that involve alternating cycles of eating and fasting. Unlike traditional fasting, where food intake is eliminated for extended periods, fasting-like diets typically permit limited calorie consumption during fasting periods, often referred to as “fasting-mimicking” or “fasting-like” diets. Fasting-like diets have been associated with improved insulin sensitivity, activate cellular repair processes and lower risk factors for chronic diseases
This particular fasting-mimicking diet is a low-calorie diet that is low in carbohydrates and protein and high in unsaturated fats. Participants drank tea, energy drinks, energy bars, vegetable-based soups, chip snacks, and a supplement containing high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids during the five days of fasting.
So, would you give this type of diet a chance?
Cover image credits: Canva
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.