Many Jewish readers will be looking forward to a healthy breakfast this morning after the 25-hour fast of Yom Kippur which ended just after sunset yesterday. Although fasting is a part of many religious traditions, the evidence for its effect on the brain is mixed. What does seem clear is that calorific restriction (through fasting, the 5:2 diet or just eating less) is one of a familiar set of interventions that can help to keep your brain healthy. So even while the spiritual significance is clear, it may not bring the medical benefits you hoped for. Dr Daniel Glaser is director of Science Gallery at King’s College London

Source: The Guardian October 01, 2017 04:52 UTC