Most religions include at least one fast day per year in their calendar. Depending on the cultural tradition, partakers may abstain from food or water (or both) for anything between 12 and 72 hours. As drastic as it may sound, there are actually health benefits to fasting.
Reduces Insulin Resistance
Studies have shown that fasting can improve blood sugar control which is good news for those at risk of diabetes. Research based on intermittent and alternate day fasting showed that limiting calorie intake can result in reducing insulin resistance, which may keep your blood sugar steady, preventing spikes and crashes in your blood sugar levels.
A Whole New Palate
After fasting, your tastebuds adapt to different flavors that you may have previously disliked. This is most evident after a water-only fast. For example, celery may seem saltier, and you may notice that other flavors have been enhanced after the neural adaptation.
The Early Bird Gets Fed
In some cases, those fasting can eat earlier in the day, before the fast commences. Consuming calories earlier in the day has been proven to be better for the body’s well-being by decreasing blood pressure and making us feel lighter.
