Fasting has been advocated for centuries as a benefit for humanity. The benefits of dietary restriction or limiting the amount of food eaten range from protecting from tissue damage and improved metabolism to expanding the lifespan of organisms from yeast to primates. Recently, a study from Harvard School of Public Health found a key reason on the molecular level for the benefits of dietary restriction. Upon restriction of several amino acids, a gas is produced in the body which seems to be the key to the benefits of dietary restrictions. More research is needed to understand more fully the mechanisms at play in this and the possible effects on human health.
Though all the answers are not in as to dietary restriction or fasting, limiting the amount of food eaten can still produce benefits in better health and longer life.
Source:
Datz, T. (2014) Molecular mechanism behind health benefits of dietary restriction identified. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health News.
Retrieved from: www.hsph.harvard.eduÂ