Everyone should try the diet.
A fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) has demonstrated significant benefits in reducing biomarkers linked to insulin resistance, liver fat, and aging-related markers in humans, according to a study led by USC Leonard Davis School Professor Valter Longo.
The FMD, a five-day dietary regimen high in unsaturated fats and low in protein, carbohydrates, and calories, was examined in two clinical studies involving men and women aged 18 to 70. Participants underwent 3-4 monthly cycles of the FMD, alternating five days on the diet with 25 days of a normal diet.
Results revealed notable improvements in insulin resistance, HbA1c levels, and fasting glucose among participants following the FMD. They also experienced reductions in abdominal and liver fat, alongside enhancements in immune system markers indicative of reduced inflammation.
Furthermore, both clinical studies indicated an average reduction in biological age by 2.5 years among those adhering to the FMD.
Involving 100 participants, the study found that a plant-based FMD implemented for five days monthly could effectively lower participants’ biological age after just three monthly cycles, without requiring significant lifestyle changes.
Participants were provided with specially formulated food, including soups, energy bars, snacks, and teas, for the five-day FMD period. These meals were supplied by L-Nutra Inc., a company specializing in ready-packaged fasting meals, in which two of the study authors have equity interest.
Professor Longo emphasized the consistency of results across both studies, conducted in Los Angeles and Tennessee, indicating significant reductions in biological age and improvements in multiple physiological systems, including the immune, liver, and endocrine systems.
Moving forward, Longo highlighted the importance of further clinical trials to explore the potential of standardized plant-based FMD cycles in preventing and treating diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. He hopes these findings will encourage doctors to incorporate FMD into disease prevention and treatment strategies.
Dr. Nicole Avena, a nutrition consultant and expert in neuroscience, emphasized the FMD’s ability to mimic fasting, which promotes balanced blood sugar, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation. These effects contribute to lowering biological age and mitigating disease risk factors, particularly for lifestyle-related conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
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