Health Benefits from Fasting Once a Month (Star Ledger)

Star Ledger

Study finds fasting reduces risk of heart disease



by Angela Stewart

Tuesday November 06, 2007, 9:00 AM

Fasting a day each month can help protect people from heart disease, a new study being released today has found.

The study was undertaken based on the experience of Mormons, who scientists had previously found to be less likely to die of heart disease than other Utah residents or Americans in general.

While The Church of Later Day Saints prohibits tobacco use -- a major contributor to heart disease -- study researchers attempted to assess the impact of other religious teachings, such as fasting and shunning coffee or alcohol.

According to the study, fasting for a day each month was the strongest predictor of lower heart disease risk in study participants. Overall, researchers found it was associated with a 39 percent risk reduction.

Coronary artery disease was also less prevalent in participants who identified their religious preference as Latter-Day Saints -- 61 percent versus 66 percent in other participants.

There was also less heart disease found among non-Mormons who practiced fasting as part of a health-conscious lifestyle.

The study is being released during the 80th Annual American Heart Association Scientific Sessions taking place in Orlando, Fla.