The new Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), developed by university researchers is under human trials in the United States. The new diet produces the best results when people starve by cutting calories for five days in a row. The "fasting" diet could help to produce results such as weight loss; better immune system; lower risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes; and looking younger.
Researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) created the diet. They stated that most people would only stick to the diet plan four times every year.
One of the benefits of the new diet is that there is no need for calorie reduction. Significant lowering of caloric intake can result in people often feeling hungry and getting moody.
Dr. Valter Longo is a USC professor. He is also one of the main developers of the new fasting method.
The findings of Longo's recent study were published this week in the journal Cell Metabolism.
In the laboratory research, old mice were placed in cycles of a low-calorie diet for four days. The dieting effects included belly fat loss, more stem cells in many organs, and improved memory, according Tech Times.
A human trial of FMD included 19 humans who completed a monthly "fast," according to The Telegraph. The fasting diet lasted 5 days.
Results of the trial were quite spectacular. They included lower risks of ailments such as heart disease and cancer, fewer signs of aging, and no side effects.
FMD involves reducing one's calorie consumption to about one-third to one-half of the normal values. It focuses on a daily intake of certain carbs, proteins, and fats.
The new weight loss diet is quite complex. Longo explains that although dieters do not feel like they are fasting, their bodies experience the benefits of skipping meals.
FMD must also be implemented for 5 days straight because the body needs 3-4 days until "reprogramming" starts. Renewed growth and energy follow.
Longo explained that the popular Fast Diet has a few problems. Unlike the FMD fasting diet, the commercial program includes high protein intake, and the last 24 hours block some health benefits.