The idea of intermittent fasting has steadily gained popularity with people hoping to lose weight. It is done by alternating “normal” eating days with days when one would limit their calorie intake. However, ScienceDaily.com reports that fasting may also have other health benefits.

Researcher James Brown and his colleagues from Ashton University studied the advantages and limitations of intermittent dieting with regard to treating obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions. They found that proper fasting isn’t only good for losing weight, but it may also decrease inflammation, improve levels of sugars and fats in circulation, and reduce blood pressure.

Researchers note that it may hold the key for obese people to lose weight safely, without the need for procedures or drugs. Fasting also improves metabolism by teaching the body to be selective of the type of fuel they need to burn.

(Photo by Jeremy Kunz via Flickr Creative Commons)