Scientists from the University of Southern California found that a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD, or Fasting Mimicking Diet) can slow aging and improve health. Research results published In Nature Communications (Nat Com).
FMD (Fasting Mimicking Diet) is a five-day low-calorie diet rich in unsaturated fats. This diet is characterized by a reduced proportion of protein and carbohydrates in the diet. The diet mimics the effects of fasting while providing the body with essential nutrients. Suitable foods include lean foods, vegetable soups, energy bars and drinks, snacks and tea.
The study examined the effects of this type of fasting on two groups of people between the ages of 18 and 70. One group adhered to the FMD diet for five days and then returned to their normal diet for 25 days. In total, the subjects followed a program of such dietary changes for three to four months. The second group served as the control group.
At the end of the dietary intervention period, the researchers assessed the participants’ biological age and compared it to the age before the experiment began. It turned out that FMD contributed to a decrease in participants’ biological age by an average of 2.5 years. This has been associated with reduced risk of diabetes, fatty liver, reduced insulin resistance and improved immune system health.
Additional studies in animal models have also supported the benefits of FMD. A fasting-mimicking diet helps eliminate damaged cells (including cancer cells) from the bodies of mice, scientists say.
Previously was named The unexpected danger of excess protein foods in the diet.