Regularly fasting for a day may reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease, a research has suggested.
The researchers conducted studies on the health and habits of more than 200 residents in the state of Utah, where fasting for at least one day a month is a way of life for many Mormons.
The study found narrowing of the arteries in around 75 per cent of those who did not fast and clogged arteries in 63 per cent of those who said they often skipped meals.
The study was also conducted in people who were not regular fasters. The tests revealed fasting triggers a significant surge in human growth hormone, a hormone credited with speeding up metabolism and burning off fat. It was seen that the levels rose 13-fold in women and 20-fold in men. If fat is shed, then it cut the risk of diabetes and related heart problems.
Though fasting caused levels of cholesterol to rise, it returned to normal after the fast was over.
