Fasting diets have witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years due partly to celebrity endorsement, increased awareness of fasting benefits, and a growing body of research that supports this dietary intervention. These nutritional protocols come in many variations, including 5:2 – during which five days of unrestricted eating are followed by two days of fasting – 18:6 – 18 hours of fasting per day with a 6-hour eating window – and alternate-day fasting – which consists of fasting every other day.
A large body of scientific evidence has proven that regular, short-term fasting can improve overall health, promote weight loss, benefit gut health, and enhance cognitive function. While there are different approaches and purported benefits to the popular dietary trend, many misconceptions remain. Read on to discover the popular myths about fasting and the science-backed facts behind them.
