According to Sohu, a popular diet that is gaining traction globally is Intermittent Fasting. This diet not only aids in weight management but also offers cardiovascular benefits. A recent study led by academician and Professor
Reducing platelet activity and inhibiting clot formation: The research, published in the journal Life Metabolism (February 2025), indicated that intermittent fasting not only improves overall health but also decreases platelet activity, a crucial factor in clot formation.
The researchers instructed patients with coronary artery disease to follow an intermittent fasting regimen for 10 days. The results showed that platelets became less aggressive and less sticky, thereby lowering the risk of blood clot development.
A similar experiment was conducted on mice prone to dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. The findings showed that the intermittent fasting group had a longer time to clot formation, indicating a significant reduction in clotting risk.
Through stroke and myocardial infarction models, the experts observed that the fasting mice had significantly less heart and brain damage. The mechanism was attributed to increased levels of “indole-3-propionic acid” from the gut microbiota, which inhibits platelet activity and protects cardiovascular health.
The “5+2” diet – Weight loss, glucose control, anti-aging, and cancer prevention: The most popular intermittent fasting regimen is the “5+2” method, which involves eating normally for five days a week and choosing two non-consecutive days to reduce calorie intake to around 500-600 kcal/day.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach across various health aspects:
Reducing fatty liver:
A 2024 study by Fudan University showed that after three months of the 5+2 diet, liver fat content decreased by over 20% in patients with fatty liver disease, along with improved metabolic indicators such as insulin, triglycerides, and liver stiffness.
Lowering blood sugar and promoting weight loss:
Research from Beijing Hospital, published in JAMA Network Open in 2024, confirmed that the 5+2 diet lowers blood sugar as effectively as diabetes medication, while also resulting in an average weight loss of 9.7 kg after four months, outperforming the control groups.
Brain anti-aging:
According to the National Institute on Aging in the United States, the 5+2 diet slows brain aging and enhances memory and concentration in older adults.
Boosting immunity against cancer:
A 2024 study published in the journal Immunity revealed that eating less for two days a week increases the activity of Natural Killer (NK) cells, which are highly effective in destroying cancer cells.
5+2 Diet Plan suggested by experts from Beijing United Hospital
Dr. Chen Wei, Director of Clinical Nutrition at Beijing United Hospital, has provided a detailed meal plan for the 5+2 diet, suitable for individuals with a normal health status.
Note:
Fasting days do not require complete abstinence from food but rather a reduction in calorie intake, ensuring sufficient intake of all four nutrient groups: protein, fat, carbohydrates, and micronutrients.
On regular days, total energy intake should also be controlled:
For women: 1200-1500 kcal/day
For men: 1500-1800 kcal/day
Adjust your diet according to your individual energy needs.
Whether it’s intermittent fasting or any other dietary modification, experts advise consulting a doctor to ensure safety, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, or those under medical treatment.
