Study Says Intermittent Fasting Could Be Healthy

Have you been skipping breakfast to offset your eating hours while doing intermittent fasting? As it turns out, you might be doing the right thing. A new study suggests that intermittent fasting (IF) may have health benefits in the form of lower cholesterol levels and reduced stress. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

"We are at a transition point where we could soon consider adding information about intermittent fasting to medical school curricula alongside standard advice about healthy diets and exercise," Mattson said in a release statement, as reported by USA Today.

According to Mattson, the eating patterns associated with IF can increase your resistance to stress and improve your blood sugar regulation. It also decreases your blood pressure, blood lipid levels, and resting heart rates. Multiple tests on humans showed consistent results, lending credence to the health benefits of IF.

There’s a caveat, however.

“Intermittent fasting may not be a good diet for diabetic patients on medications and/or insulin that could have swings in blood sugar," said Dr. Guy L. Mintz, director of cardiovascular health and lipidology at Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in New York, as reported by USA Today. "Intermittent fasting is not for older patients. Hypoglycemia needs to be watched, which can lead to falls."