Scientists have confirmed that fasting like Rishi Sunak can have multiple health benefits – but only if you do it for at least three days in a row.
New findings reveal that prolonged fasting sheds unhealthy fat (without losing weight) and gives multiple organs, including the brain, a “significant” boost.
But researchers at Queen Mary University of London found that the benefits only appear after at least 72 hours without eating.
This means that the prime minister, who only drinks water, tea or black coffee from 5pm on Sunday until 5am on Tuesday, may not benefit from his weekly 36-hour fast.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London found that the benefits only appear after at least 72 hours without eating. This means that the prime minister, who only drinks water, tea or black coffee from 5pm on Sunday until 5am on Tuesday, may not benefit from his weekly 36-hour fast.
Many celebrities have also touted the benefits of intermittent fasting, including Hugh Jackman (pictured February 2023). The study found that protein levels in various organs change after about three days of fasting, indicating that the entire body is responding to fasting.
Many celebrities have also touted the benefits of intermittent fasting, including Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Mark Wahlberg, Chris Hemsworth and Kourtney Kardashian.
Professor Claudia Langenberg said: “Fasting, when done safely, is an effective weight loss intervention.” Popular diets that incorporate fasting claim to have health benefits beyond weight loss.
‘Our results provide evidence of the health benefits of fasting beyond weight loss, but these were only visible after three days of total calorie restriction, later than we previously thought.
“For the first time, we can see what happens at a molecular level throughout the body when we fast.”
The study found that protein levels in various organs change after about three days of fasting, indicating that the entire body is responding to fasting.
These proteins, including those that form the support structure for neurons in the brain, help organs function more effectively.
These proteins, including those that form the support structure for neurons in the brain, help organs function more effectively. Pictured is Kourtney Kardashian in 2019. The eldest Kardashian sister has previously touted the benefits of intermittent fasting.
The study’s test subjects, who fasted for seven days in a row, lost an average of 5.7 kg. The weight was maintained even three days after ending the fast. Fasting is practiced by millions of people around the world for different medical and cultural purposes, including health benefits and weight loss. The Prime Minister’s mother-in-law (pictured on Wednesday), Sudha Murty, also revealed last year that her family has long observed a fast every Thursday.
The body also changes its source and type of energy, moving from glucose calories that come from food to its own fat reserves.
The study’s test subjects, who fasted for seven days in a row, lost an average of 5.7 kg. The weight was maintained even three days after ending the fast.
Fasting is practiced by millions of people around the world for different medical and cultural purposes, including health benefits and weight loss.
Historically, fasting was used to treat diseases such as epilepsy and rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers said the protein changes may explain why it had a positive effect on these and other conditions.
They hope their findings will lead to new treatments for people who cannot undergo prolonged fasting.
Dr Maik Pietzner said: “While fasting can be beneficial in treating some conditions, often fasting will not be an option for patients suffering from health problems.” We hope these findings can be used to develop treatments that patients can use.’
WHAT SHOULD A BALANCED DIET LOOK LIKE?
Meals should be based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally whole grains, according to the NHS.
• Eat at least 5 servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried, and canned fruits and vegetables count
• Base meals are based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally whole grains.
• 30 grams of fiber per day: This is equivalent to eating all of the following: 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 whole grain crackers, 2 thick slices of whole wheat bread, and one large baked potato with skin.
• Eat some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soy drinks) by choosing low-fat, low-sugar options.
• Eat some beans, legumes, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 servings of fish each week, one of which should be fatty).
• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consume them in small amounts
• Drink 6 to 8 cups/glasses of water a day
• Adults should consume less than 6 g of salt and 20 g of saturated fat for women or 30 g for men per day.
Fountain: NHS Eatwell Guide
