A popular diet trend may have its origins in the Bible.
Intermittent fasting, a pattern of eating based on time limits, is intended to assist with weight loss and other health benefits, according to Mayo Clinic.
There are several types of intermittent fasting, but they all follow the same concept of alternating between fasting and eating — a practice that is often mentioned in biblical scripture.
What is intermittent fasting?
With a time-restricted approach to intermittent fasting, the dieter only eats during a certain window. For example, with the 16/8 method, the person fasts for 16 hours and then can eat within an eight-hour span, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Other versions involve fasting for a full 24 hours once or twice per week — or only consuming limited calories on fasting days.
"The idea is that intermittent fasting causes the body’s cells to change how they work," states Mayo Clinic's website. "Timed eating may push cells to focus on repair, energy use and balancing body-wide functions."
