Description: Researchers in Utah found that fasting one day each month appeared to have a beneficial effect on those who practiced, in that their hearts were healthier, it was revealed earlier this week.

The study was conducted in Utah by Benjamin Horne, a heart disease researcher from Intermountain Medical Center and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He presented his work at a recent American Heart Association conference, according to the Associated Press.

Horne and his team discovered that Mormons were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease compared to non-Mormons. They designed a survey to explore possible reasons for this and included questions about respondents’ lifestyle.

More than 500 people answered the survey and the researchers found that the main difference in heart risks was fasting. It is a Mormon practice to fast one day a month, as well as refrain from smoking, consuming alcohol, coffee and tea and take a day each week for rest.

The researchers found that only 59 percent of those who forewent their meals for one day each month were diagnosed with heart disease, compared to 67 percent of those who did not fast.

The difference was constant regardless of participants’ age, weight and health status. Interestingly enough, not all those who fasted on a regular basis and presented better heart health were Mormons.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is based in Utah. The authors said approximately 70 percent of Utah residents are Mormons. Their religion forbids them from eating on the first Sunday of each month.

Horne’s theory is that during fasting, when the body does not receive food, it consumes fat reserves and thus burns calories.

He nevertheless warned that fasting has not been proven as advisable for anyone and that more research is necessary.