As a short-term fasting can change your body and memory

What is the essence of such a diet

Diet 5: 2 has become popular thanks to the British medical books and journalist Michael Mosley (Michael Mosley). Diet suggests that five days a week you eat as usual, but two - almost starving. In those days, you need to survive without food for 14-18 hours. At this time, you can drink the water. In total, during the day can be consumed only 500-600 kcal.

According to scientists, such a power weight advantages. These include not only weight loss, but also a decrease in blood sugar levels, improve memory, strengthen immunity.

Benefits for figure and health

Researchers from the University of Manchester comparedThe effect of intermittent energy and carbohydrate restriction v. daily energy restriction on weight loss and metabolic disease risk markers in overweight women. the results of weight loss participants adherent diet 5: 2 and traditional diets with a daily calorie restriction. It turned out, members of the first group dropped more. They also made improvements in insulin resistance.

Favor of this starvation can be explained in terms of evolution. Our ancestors ate most of the time in this way. The modern diet, which includes three meals and snacks, from the point of view of the evolution of unnatural.

Benefits for the brain

Other scientists are more interested in what is going on with short-term starvation with our brain. Mark Mattson (Mark Mattson), senior researcher at the National Institute on Aging, is studying the impact of interval starvation on memory and learning ability in mice. During fasting, the fat in the body is converted into substances called ketones. According to Mattson, they make neurons more resistant to damage.

Tips for those who want to try out a short-term fasting

Remember: this is not for everyone. People with eating disorders should not starve. And even if you are perfectly healthy, first check with your doctor.

It has been approved by doctors - excellent. Observe restrictions are a few tips to help:

1. Arrange fasting together with someone from friends or relatives - so stick to your diet easier.
2. Choose carefully, that you will have to discharge day. Researchers recommend foods rich in protein and fiber. Avoid processed carbohydrates and sugars. They will increase blood sugar levels and cause a feeling of hunger.
3. In the fasting day you do not go to the kitchen and stay away from the coffee shop to avoid the temptation.
4. Try to implement such a diet at least a month. Over time, endure hunger will become easier. Then you will really notice the results and understand whether there is a benefit to you.
5. Do not be surprised if there will be side effects. For example, sleep problems or digestion. If they have not been tested, give up fasting.