This week in science covers a range of discoveries including a fungal compound with potential anti-cancer properties synthesized after 55 years, mosquitoes carrying animal DNA supporting Jurassic Park's premise, a rare golden shark with a pigment condition, studies on intermittent fasting's health benefits, and innovative solutions like bacterial communication disruption to prevent tooth decay and a microplastics filter for laundry wastewater.
A recent study questions the benefits of time-restricted intermittent fasting on metabolic and cardiovascular health, suggesting that calorie reduction, rather than timing, may be the key factor in health improvements. The study found no significant changes in health markers despite weight loss, highlighting the importance of calorie intake over fasting schedules.
A study from Germany found that time-restricted eating without reducing calorie intake does not improve metabolic or cardiovascular health, suggesting that calorie reduction, not meal timing, may be key for health benefits. However, meal timing did influence the body's internal clock.
Research shows that intermittent energy restriction not only leads to weight loss but also causes coordinated changes in brain activity and gut microbiome, suggesting a complex interaction that may influence long-term weight management and obesity-related health issues.
AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist Dr. Sethi recommends a 12-12 fasting schedule, choosing calorie-free beverages like tea and water during fasting, and consuming high-fiber, high-protein foods during eating windows to effectively lose belly fat through intermittent fasting.
A recent review found that short-term intermittent fasting (around 12 hours) does not impair cognitive performance, and the brain adapts by using ketone bodies as an alternative fuel when glycogen is low, making short-term fasting safe for most people. Longer fasts over 24 hours may slightly affect cognition, and initial feelings of distraction when starting fasting are often due to hunger and adaptation, especially for those new to fasting or with metabolic conditions.
A recent German study challenges the effectiveness of time-restricted eating (intermittent fasting without calorie reduction) in improving metabolic health, finding no significant benefits in insulin sensitivity or heart health, and highlighting the importance of calorie reduction and individual factors like chronotype.
A comprehensive review of over 70 studies shows that short-term fasting (8-24 hours) has minimal impact on adult brain functions like attention, memory, and reasoning, indicating resilience in healthy adults, though children and teens may be more affected by skipping breakfast. Timing and context influence effects, with food cues and later in the day slightly impairing performance. The brain compensates during fasting by producing ketones, which support cognitive function.
A comprehensive review of 71 studies found that fasting does not impair cognitive performance in healthy adults, though it may affect children, adolescents, and specific situations like late-day testing or food-related tasks. The research suggests fasting can be a safe health practice for most adults without sacrificing mental sharpness, but caution is advised for certain groups.
A comprehensive review of 71 studies found that fasting does not impair cognitive performance in healthy adults, though children, adolescents, and certain situations may be exceptions. The research suggests fasting can be safely practiced without sacrificing mental sharpness, especially in adults, and highlights factors like age, fasting duration, and task type that influence its effects.
Eating dinner at least three hours before bedtime and within a 12-hour window can support better sleep, metabolic health, and weight management, with earlier meals generally being more beneficial from a circadian perspective. Adjustments should be made based on individual health and sleep quality.
Alia Bhatt reportedly lost weight using the 16:8 intermittent fasting method, which involves fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window. US doctor Dr. Pal Manickam explains that IF can improve health by giving the digestive system rest, reducing insulin levels, and promoting fat burning, but it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain health issues. Proper hydration, balanced meals, gradual adjustment, and listening to your body are key to making IF safe and effective.
Intermittent fasting can aid weight loss and improve metabolic health, but its effectiveness is hindered by factors like high carbohydrate intake, short fasting periods, poor diet quality, stress, and existing health conditions. To optimize results, extending fasting duration, reducing carbs, managing stress, and treating underlying health issues are recommended.
Dr. Steven Austad, a longevity researcher, emphasizes the importance of regular intense exercise and time-restricted eating for healthy aging, while avoiding dubious anti-aging trends and supplements, advocating for simple, science-backed habits.
Experts suggest delaying breakfast until mid-morning to extend fasting, promote fat burning, and improve metabolic health, emphasizing protein and fiber-rich foods over traditional carb-heavy options, and questioning the necessity of breakfast for everyone.
