Although many attributes fasting
to religion, researchers have found that it may boost metabolism and reverse
the biological effects that come with ageing.
Researchers from the Okinawa
Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) and Kyoto
University focused on four fasting individuals to study the whole human blood
and the changing levels of metabolites.
At the end of the study, 44
metabolites, including 30 that were previously unrecognized, were found to
increase among subjects between 1.5 fold to 60 fold within 58 hours of fasting.
Several antioxidants, such as
ergothioneine and carnosine, also increased significantly over the study
period.
These antioxidants protect cells
from free radicals produced during metabolism.
“These are very important
metabolites for maintenance of muscle and antioxidant activity, respectively.
This result suggests the possibility of a rejuvenating effect by fasting, which
was not known until now,” Takayuki Teruya, lead researcher, said.
Previous research by the Okinawa
Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) had identified
various metabolites like leucine and isoleucine that decline with age.
Researchers say an increase in
the qualities of these metabolites, therefore, suggests an increase in
longevity.
“These are very important
metabolites for maintenance of muscle and antioxidant activity, respectively,”
said Teruya.
“This result suggests the
possibility of a rejuvenating effect by fasting, which was not known until now.”
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com