In recent times, the 16:8 intermittent fasting has become a very popular type of fasting. Currently, it is one of the most popular ways to lose weight and is also known as the 8-hour diet or plan.
Many studies revealed that the 16:8 diet plan is not only beneficial to your body but also the mind. So if you are curious about the benefits, what, and how intermittent fasting works, then this post is for you.
What is 16:8 Intermittent Fasting and How Does it Work?
Intermittent fasting is an eating schedule that alternates between eating regularly and fasting. It is a fasting strategy in which you divide your day into two parts of eight and sixteen hours.
People who practice this diet plan eat all their calories within an eight-hour window plan and then fast in the remaining 16 hours. This short period of fasting helps you to consume fewer calories.
The 16:8 diet plan works because the body stores excess calories as body fat. So when you don’t eat anything for hours, the body makes alternative provision by accessing the stored fat for energy. With time, this fat gets depleted, thereby resulting in weight loss.
Benefits of 16:8 Intermittent Fasting
1. It Aids in Weight Loss
Medically, intermittent fasting boosts body metabolism. In addition to this, it also helps to reduce the quantity of calorie intake. This is why a 2014 review showed that with intermittent fasting, the body loses 3-8% body weight between 3-24 weeks.
2. Improves Your Heart’s Health
The 16:8 diet improves your blood pressure and the way your body breaks down sugar. This reduces the risk of weight gain and diabetes which are the biggest conditions for heart diseases. In the same vein, many studies have successfully linked fasting to longevity and improved heart conditions.
3. It Prevents Diseases
Although, research in this area is quite limited, however, there are records to show that the 16:8 diet prevents many diseases. Some of these include heart conditions, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer. Little wonder, a 2018 study reveals that with the 16:8 diet, adults with obesity may successfully reduce their blood pressure.
4. It Reduces Chances of Diabetes and Obesity
Intermittent fasting’s benefits also extend to people with diabetes. By engaging in a 16:8 diet, human studies have shown that people with diabetes and obesity can successfully lose weight. This is because it lowers insulin levels, detoxifies the body, and gets rid of damaged cells.
5. It Improves Your Mental Health
Various studies revealed that intermittent fasting boosts verbal memory. At the same time, it helps to reduce inflammation and a steroid hormone called cortisol which is the primary stress hormone. By reducing this hormone, people who practice intermittent fasting experience less stress.
Conclusion
There are many recorded benefits of intermittent fasting. It improves the overall physical and mental state of people who practice it. But more than this, it is quite instrumental for weight loss. So if you wish to lose weight, you can now see that the 16:8 diet is a good approach to use.
