Those that knock the 5:2 diet and other Intermittent Fasting 'diets' should watch the program that Horizon did on it.
Very interesting although maybe more research needs to be carried out.
This isn't quite true the research has been going on intermittently for over 100 years. They just didn't understand how people who had a calorie restricted diet had a tendency to live so long and with considerable less illnesses.
The collapse of the Soviet union reopened it as there were areas where it was estimated that the population had a diet of 30% less than they should have. While at the same time having less illnesses and an extended life expectancy. But the claims made by some people of being as old as 110-120, could not be backed up due to lack of documentation like birth certificates etc.
I am certain this diet (30% less) was on another BBC programme about 15 years ago. The Soviet Union, as above was used as an example. They decided the reason for the extended and healthier life was a reduction in free radicals. In all probability this will increase life expectancy but not to the extent shown.
The accidentally discovery in a South American village of the extended life expectancy being linked to a reduction in growth hormones can not be denied. It is a fact. Research shows that if you reduce your calorie intake by 30% below normal, your body produces less growth hormones and your body starts repairing cells rather than replacing them. Research at the moment shows there is s similar effect with the 5:2 diet. BUT this diet has not been around long enough (obviously) to know if it will work long term. There are near immediate effects which are the Same as reducing calorie intake by 30%. A doctor on the programme said blood test show that it was near impossible to get diabetes even with a crap diet. Also cholesterol levels dropped even without a change in diet (excluding calorie reduction). All in all the evidence for eating 30% less than needed is quite overwhelming. The 5:2 diet appears to mimic it.
Note:- cancer is caused by damaged cells, growth hormones create new cells to replace the damaged ones. Reduction in growth hormones causes your body to put emphasis on repairing and not replacing them. That is considered to be the mechanism for less illnesses like cancer. There is some limited research suggesting a reduction in alzheimer's etc. Early days on that though. Wouldn't that be something though, living longer while at the same time staying healthy. The benefits to society alone would be enormous.
