This is quite a small study but it focuses on the anti-aging benefits of fasting rather than weight loss which many of us here talk about. The study looked at cell repair during periods of fasting; ie when they go into survival mode, removing unhealthy mitochondria and replacing them over time and reducing the production of free radicals over the longer term. The cells made more copies of the gene SIRT3 as well as a significant decrease in circulating insulin.
They ran the experiment twice; the second time taking the antioxidants C and E. Those taking the daily supplement were relatively sheltered from oxidative stress and did not receive the same benefits from fasting as from the first experiment without antioxidants. Their cells did not respond in the same way by increasing their natural defences and improving their sensitivity to insulin and other stress signals.
A very poor summary but in conclusion, low levels of environmental stress on our 'repair' days might be good for us. Detail is here. http://theconversation.com/feast-then-f ... ress-38808
They ran the experiment twice; the second time taking the antioxidants C and E. Those taking the daily supplement were relatively sheltered from oxidative stress and did not receive the same benefits from fasting as from the first experiment without antioxidants. Their cells did not respond in the same way by increasing their natural defences and improving their sensitivity to insulin and other stress signals.
A very poor summary but in conclusion, low levels of environmental stress on our 'repair' days might be good for us. Detail is here. http://theconversation.com/feast-then-f ... ress-38808