Good news for those who have been following the intermittent 16:8 diet. Latest research says they are on the right track.

A study published by University of Illinois at Chicago researchers in the journal Nutrition and Healthy Aging claims that the 16:8 diet, a daily fasting method, is effective in reducing weight and lower blood pressure, reports www.sciencedaily.com.

The diet advises 16 hours of fasting and 8 hours of "feasting" every day. The dieter can eat anything, in any quantity, between 10am to 6pm, and drink only water or calorie-free drinks in the next 16 hours. The research was conducted on 35 overweight persons.

Researchers found that in comparison with a matched historical control group, which was on a previous weight loss trial on a different type of fasting, the group on the 16:8 diet consumed about 350 fewer calories. They lost about 3 percent of their body weight and saw their systolic blood pressure decreased by about 7 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), the standard measure of blood pressure, in 12 weeks.