Study Unveils Profound Health Benefits for Seven Days of Fasting

A study from Queen Mary University of London reveals significant health benefits from seven days of fasting, particularly after three days without food, SciTech Daily reported. This research, published in Nature Metabolism, demonstrates that fasting triggers systematic changes across multiple organs, offering potential therapeutic advantages beyond weight loss.

The study involved 12 healthy volunteers undergoing a seven-day water-only fast. Researchers monitored around 3,000 proteins in their blood and found that the body switched energy sources from glucose to stored fat within the first few days. Participants lost an average of 5.7 kg, with fat mass reductions persisting even after resuming eating.

Notably, distinct protein level changes were observed after three days, indicating a comprehensive response to calorie restriction. Claudia Langenberg, Director of the Precision Health University Research Institute, emphasized that these findings highlight fasting’s health benefits, which are evident only after a prolonged period. The study lays the groundwork for future research into fasting’s therapeutic applications.