It turns out that the fasting that is a "staple diet" of world religions such as Buddhism, Islam and Christianity does have health benefits, after all.

Fasting regenerates a healthy immune system by creating new stem cells. A person can derive maximum benefits from fasting if he abstains from eating for two straight days two to four times a year, said a recent study from University of Southern California.

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The study published this month is the first that confirms that fasting can help trigger the regeneration of human stem cells, which act as a repair system for the body and replenish adult tissues.

It found out that fasting can help a person's immune system become stronger than it was before that person began to fast.

Scientists said that by not eating for two to four days in a row, a faster's body significantly lowers the number of white blood cells. Also called leukocytes, white blood cells are the cells of the immune system that defend the body against infectious diseases.

The white blood cells that die off because of fasting tend to be those that are weak or damaged. When a person begins to eat again, the new stem cells that are generated tend to be much healthier than the ones that died off. In short, fasting allows a person to regenerate a completely new and healthy immune system.

"If you start with a system heavily damaged by chemotherapy or aging, fasting cycles can generate, literally, a new immune system," said the study.

A healthier immune system can also save you a lot of money since your immune system will be better able to ward off diseases without expensive pharmaceuticals.

The study, however, cautioned would-be fasters to first consult with their doctor before fasting. This precaution is vital if fasters are taking medication that might be affected by fasting.

The US National Academy of Sciences said other health benefits of fasting include stress resistance, increased insulin sensitivity, reduced morbidity and a longer life span. Another study concluded that alternate-day fasting might be an alternative to prolonged diet restriction for increasing the life span.

TagsFasting, Immune System booster, Stem Cell Regeneration