Several prominent scientists have researched diets that mimic fasting and related areas, particularly how controlled fasting can have beneficial health effects while still providing necessary nutrients. Here’s a list of some key researchers in the field:
- Dr. Valter Longo – Longo is a professor of gerontology and biological sciences at the University of Southern California. He developed the concept of the diets that mimic fasting. He demonstrated its benefits on longevity, disease resistance, and overall health, particularly through his research on fasting’s effects on cellular regeneration and aging.
- Dr. Mark Mattson – A neuroscientist at the National Institute on Aging, Mattson’s work focuses on the benefits of intermittent fasting, including how it can improve brain function and protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
- Dr. Satchidananda Panda – A leading researcher on circadian biology and intermittent fasting, Panda, from the Salk Institute, has studied how time-restricted eating (a form of fasting) affects metabolism and health and how it aligns with the body’s natural circadian rhythms.
- Dr. Luigi Fontana – An expert in nutrition and longevity, Fontana has conducted studies on calorie restriction and fasting, demonstrating their effects on improving metabolic health and preventing age-related diseases. His research has been influential in understanding the role of diet in aging and chronic diseases.
- Dr. Krista Varady – A nutritionist and researcher at the University of Illinois, Varady is known for her work on alternate-day and intermittent fasting, focusing on its effects on weight loss and cardiovascular health.
- Dr. Rafael de Cabo – A researcher at the National Institute on Aging, de Cabo studies caloric restriction and fasting's impact on aging and age-related diseases, focusing on metabolic and cellular health.
These scientists have contributed significantly to the growing body of evidence supporting fasting-mimicking diets and various forms of fasting as beneficial for long-term health and disease prevention.