Can Intermittent Fasting Improve Heart Health? Let’s find out

Well, the world has given in to this new fad to lose pounds and calories – intermittent fasting! People stick to this way of fasting more easily than the traditional way. One can follow such a diet and still not feel deprived. However, the increasing number of deaths from heart attacks reveal that no matter how much you exercise or eat right, heart disease is still one of the leading causes of death among people. What if we told you that a healthy heart has a lot to do with your eating window versus calorie count? Intermittent fasting can help improve the way our body responds to a hormone called insulin. Insulin is what regulates blood sugar levels in the body. Controlled cholesterol and blood sugar levels can reduce the risk of weight gain and diabetes – the two main factors that cause heart disease.

Health Shots got in touch with nutritionist Avni Kaul to understand the role of intermittent fasting for heart health.

What is intermittent fasting?

“Intermittent fasting is simply eating for a limited time. Eating times can vary between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., and 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. For beginners, it is mostly a 12-hour fast,” says Kaul.

Usually, intermittent fasting shows the best results when the sun is setting – between 6pm and 8pm, and allows the body to recover while it is in rest mode. Meet the best ways of practicing intermittent fasting.

According to science, intermittent fasting has mostly been seen as a diet fad, but this type of eating has been shown to improve cardiovascular well-being. In the current scenario, there is still a lack of large, randomized studies showing a positive association between intermittent fasting and heart attacks, strokes, or coronary artery disease. However, there are studies that show that markers that cause heart attacks and subsequent cardiovascular disease risk are reduced with intermittent fasting. This way of eating is known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol and improve diabetes and inflammation.

Read also: Intermittent Fasting: Avoid these drinks if you are on this weight loss diet

If you are someone who wants to give intermittent fasting try then you can follow like this.

* Start slowly with a 12-hour fast.
* Break up your day with protein, fat and fiber.
* Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
* Those who are pregnant, lactating, underweight or have diabetes and are under 18 should refrain.

Any method that is feasible and allows for the intake of healthy nutrients and food choices is useful. Studies have also shown that compared to eating all day and restricting calories, intermittent fasting is more sustainable and could have long-term benefits.

However, there still hasn’t been much study or research done, so it’s recommended that you consult a dietician before going on an intermittent fasting diet.

Other benefits of intermittent fasting

Some other benefits of intermittent fasting include aid in weight loss, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, improved heart and brain health, and lower risk of cancer. It also helps improve physical performance and helps improve endurance while running. Nevertheless, you should start it under control and weigh all its advantages and disadvantages for your body.