The Mormon faith is in the news because of Mitt Romney's presidential bid. But there's another reason for showing interest in this religion. The results of a study presented at the recent American Heart Association meeting suggested that a monthly fast could have cardiac benefits. Looking at the records of 4,500-plus Salt Lake City inhabitants having a cath-lab exam for blocked coronary arteries revealed that only 61% of Mormons had heart disease compared with 66% of non-Mormons examined. So the researchers decided to investigate further.

Mormons' religious practices - monthly fasting, avoiding tea, coffee and alcohol, taking a weekly day of rest, going to church, donating time and money - were assessed in a questionnaire given to 515 Latter Day Saints members with heart problems. Of all the practices examined, periodic fasting made a significant difference in heart risks; 59% of the fasters had heart disease, compared to 67% of the others. Two other religious practices - not smoking and no tea - were also associated with an improved rate of heart disease. Smoking is no surprise, but tea is usually regarded as having a cardioprotective effect - at least, green tea is.

Fasting, for the purpose of this study, was defined as abstaining from food and drink for 2 consecutive meals. This is not a very restrictive regime. It's probably easier to fulfill than giving up smoking or tea, I suggest. And think of the benefits to your weight control!