16:8 intermittent fasting, or 16:8 diet or 16:8 plan, has been trending for all the good reasons.
People who follow 16:8 intermittent fasting plan to fast for 16 hours a day and eat their calories during the remaining 8 hours.
Studies have suggested that intermittent fasting could help lose weight and fat, preventing medical conditions related to obesity.
Although the 16:8 diet plan does not specify the foods to be eaten or avoided, experts recommend eating healthy foods and avoiding junk foods.
One should focus on a balanced diet when they are eating in those 8 hours. They can include organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains, poultry, eggs, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds, low-fat cottage cheese, and fatty fish.
Health benefits
Scientists have been conducting several studies to determine whether intermittent fasting helps one to lose weight and prevent health issues. Some studies have found that it could help provide some health benefits, such as weight loss, fat loss, and disease prevention. It has also been found that 16:8 intermittent fasting could increase your life expectancy.
Fasting and eating for a specific period can help reduce the number of calories you consume and boost your metabolism. A 2017 study suggested that intermittent fasting aids weight loss and fat loss in men who are obese. A 2016 study reported that men who followed 16:8 plan for eight weeks had a significant decrease in fat mass.
Some studies have found that intermittent fasting could prevent several medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and even some cancers. However, the studies in this particular area were limited.
A 2014 study found that intermittent fasting showed a great promise in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, the researchers of the study said more studies are required to reach to reliable conclusions. A 2018 study indicated that intermittent fasting could help reduce blood pressure in people with obesity.
Some animal studies have suggested that 16:8 intermittent fasting could help animals to live longer. However, researchers still are not able to explain how it helps to lengthen one’s life span. Human studies on this aspect are limited.
While studies have indicated that the 16:8 diet plan could help prevent diabetes, it may not be suitable for people who already have the condition. Similarly, 16:8 intermittent fasting is not suitable for people with type 1 diabetes.
Undeniably, 16:8 intermittent fasting is one of the trending diets, which could help lose weight, fat, and reduce the risk of some medical condition. Please note that the intermittent fasting diet plan is not right for everyone. You should speak to your doctor or dietician if you want to know whether you are eligible to follow the diet plan.
