Reducing calories increases brain activity

Fasting every other day helps weight loss, longevity and protects against Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's and other degenerative brain changes, according to a survey of the American Institute of Ageing.

Reducing calorie intake is beneficial for the brain, but not by reducing food consumption - this is not the best method for activating this protection, says Professor Mark Matsan, head of the neuroscience laboratory at the American Institute of Ageing.

Diet protects against cardiovascular disease, is useful for blood circulation and protects the brain from diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

For the purposes of the study participants are fed every other day, and others - every day.

Both groups have unrestricted access to food in the days that can be fed, and eventually consume the same amount of calories.

It is clear that feeding every day, are more sensitive to insulin and must produce less of it, says Professor Mark Matsan.

High levels of a hormone that is produced to control blood sugar levels after eating, usually associated with lower brain function and higher risk of developing diabetes.

It also establishes that people who are low-calorie diet improves the function of brain synapses - connections between brain cells that promote the production of new cells and make them more resistant to stress.

Previous studies did show that fasting for several days helps fight cancer.