What is the shortest fast that is beneficial?
                                
                                
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                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                Research indicates that fasting for as little as 12 hours can initiate a metabolic switch in the body, which is the cornerstone of intermittent fasting's health benefits. This shift from burning glucose to stored fat for energy marks the beginning of several positive physiological changes, making even a short, overnight fast a beneficial practice.