Research paper
Sarri KO, Tzanakis NE, Linardakis MK, Mamalakis GD, Kafatos AG. Effects of Greek Orthodox Christian Church fasting on serum lipids and obesity. BMC Public Health. 2003 May 16;3:16. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-3-16
Why we cite it
Longitudinal observational study (n=120, one year) demonstrating that Greek Orthodox fasting periods — which shift diet toward a plant-based Mediterranean pattern — significantly reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and BMI. Provides both between-group comparisons (fasters vs controls) and within-subject pre/post data across three fasting periods, plus dietary composition analysis showing the mechanism.