Researchers studied how margarine (a processed fat) affects the body and whether two simple interventions—intermittent fasting and chamomile tea—could help protect against damage. Using mice over 16 weeks, they found that margarine created harmful stress in certain organs, especially the brain and kidneys. The good news? Both intermittent fasting and chamomile tea showed promise in reducing this damage, though the effects varied between males and females. This early research suggests that simple dietary changes might help counteract the negative effects of processed fats, though more human studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether intermittent fasting (eating only during certain hours) and chamomile tea could protect the body from damage caused by eating margarine, a processed fat high in trans fats
  • Who participated: Young laboratory mice (C57BL/6J strain) divided into groups that ate regular food, margarine, or margarine combined with chamomile tea or intermittent fasting over 16 weeks
  • Key finding: Margarine created harmful stress (oxidative stress) in the brain and kidneys, but both intermittent fasting and chamomile tea reduced this damage in specific tissues. Interestingly, the protective effects differed between male and female mice
  • What it means for you: This suggests that if you eat processed foods high in trans fats, simple strategies like intermittent fasting or drinking chamomile tea might help protect your organs from damage. However, this is early research in mice—human studies are needed before making major dietary changes. Talk to your doctor before starting intermittent fasting or using supplements

The Research Details

Scientists fed young mice different diets for 16 weeks: regular food, margarine alone, margarine with chamomile water tea, or margarine combined with intermittent fasting (eating only during certain hours). They then examined tissues from the kidneys, brain, heart, and muscles to measure signs of cellular damage and the body’s natural defense systems. This approach allowed researchers to see exactly which organs were affected and whether the two interventions could help.

The study measured two main things: harmful substances called lipid peroxides (which damage cells) and protective enzymes (which fight cellular damage). By comparing these measurements across different groups and between males and females, the researchers could determine if margarine caused damage and whether chamomile or fasting helped prevent it.

This type of controlled animal study is useful for understanding how foods affect the body at a cellular level before testing in humans. However, results in mice don’t always translate directly to people, so these findings are a starting point for future research.

Understanding how processed fats damage our organs is important because many people eat margarine and similar products regularly. If simple interventions like fasting or herbal tea can reduce this damage, it could help prevent serious health problems. The fact that the researchers looked at multiple organs and compared males and females shows they were trying to understand the full picture of how margarine affects the body differently in different people

This study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, meaning other experts reviewed the work before publication. The researchers used a controlled laboratory setting with standardized mice, which reduces confusing variables. However, the study was conducted only in mice, not humans, so we can’t be certain the results apply to people. The abstract doesn’t specify exactly how many mice were used, which would help evaluate the study’s strength. Additionally, this is early-stage research, so these findings need confirmation through human studies before making health recommendations

What the Results Show

Margarine caused harmful cellular stress in specific organs. In the kidneys and brain, levels of harmful substances called lipid peroxides increased, meaning the tissue was being damaged. Interestingly, this damage pattern differed between males and females—females showed more kidney damage while both sexes showed brain damage.

When mice combined margarine with intermittent fasting, the protective effects were impressive. Fasting reduced the harmful stress in multiple tissues, suggesting that eating only during certain hours might help the body defend itself against processed fats.

Chamomile tea also provided some protection, particularly in female mice. It reduced harmful stress in the kidneys and heart of females. However, in male mice, chamomile tea combined with margarine actually increased stress in the heart, suggesting that the herb’s effects depend on biological sex.

The study also found that margarine increased the activity of the body’s natural defense enzymes in both males and females, showing that the body was trying to fight back against the damage—though not always successfully.

The researchers discovered that different organs responded differently to margarine. The heart and muscles were relatively protected from damage, while the kidneys and brain were most vulnerable. This tissue-specific response is important because it suggests that processed fats don’t damage the whole body equally—some organs need more protection than others. The sex differences observed (where males and females responded differently to chamomile) highlight that biological sex matters for how the body processes foods and supplements

Previous research has shown that trans fats in margarine create oxidative stress (cellular damage), but this study adds important details about which organs are most affected and whether sex differences exist. The protective effects of intermittent fasting align with other research suggesting that fasting periods allow the body to repair itself. Chamomile’s antioxidant properties have been studied before, but this research shows the effects are more complex than previously thought, varying by sex and organ type

This study was conducted only in mice, so results may not apply directly to humans. The abstract doesn’t specify the exact number of mice used, making it harder to assess how reliable the findings are. The study lasted 16 weeks in mice (equivalent to a few years in human lifespan), so we don’t know if these effects would continue longer or change over time. Additionally, the study used pure margarine, which may not reflect real-world eating patterns where people consume margarine as part of varied diets. Finally, the sex-specific differences in chamomile’s effects suggest that more research is needed to understand why males and females respond differently

The Bottom Line

Based on this early research, intermittent fasting appears to have the strongest protective effect against processed fat damage (moderate confidence level—animal study). Chamomile tea shows promise, particularly for women, though the mixed results in men suggest caution (low to moderate confidence). The most practical recommendation is to reduce margarine and processed trans fat consumption overall, which is supported by extensive human research. If you’re interested in intermittent fasting or chamomile supplements, consult your healthcare provider first, especially if you take medications or have existing health conditions

This research is most relevant to people who regularly consume margarine and processed foods high in trans fats. It may be particularly interesting to women, given the protective effects of chamomile observed in female mice. People interested in intermittent fasting as a health strategy might find this research supportive. However, this research should NOT be used as a reason to start intermittent fasting without medical guidance, especially for children, pregnant women, people with eating disorders, or those with certain medical conditions. Always consult your doctor before making significant dietary changes

In the mouse study, protective effects were observed after 16 weeks of consistent intervention. If similar effects occur in humans, you might expect to see benefits after several weeks of regular intermittent fasting or daily chamomile tea consumption. However, this is speculative—human studies are needed to establish realistic timelines. Don’t expect overnight results; cellular repair and protection typically develop gradually over weeks to months

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily margarine and processed fat intake (grams per day) alongside energy levels and digestive comfort. If implementing intermittent fasting, log your eating window and note any changes in how you feel. This creates a personal record of whether reducing processed fats correlates with feeling better
  • Start by identifying and reducing margarine use in cooking and spreads. If interested in intermittent fasting, begin with a modest eating window (like 12 hours) rather than extreme restriction. Add chamomile tea as a daily beverage—aim for one cup daily. Use the app to set reminders for these habits and track consistency over 4-6 weeks to assess personal effects
  • Weekly check-ins on energy levels, digestion, and overall wellbeing. Monthly assessment of whether processed fat intake has decreased and whether you’ve noticed any health improvements. Track adherence to intermittent fasting or chamomile consumption to identify patterns. Consider noting any changes in inflammation markers if you have access to blood work (with doctor approval)

This research was conducted in laboratory mice and has not been tested in humans. The findings are preliminary and should not be used as medical advice. Intermittent fasting is not appropriate for everyone, including children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with a history of eating disorders, and those with certain medical conditions. Before making significant dietary changes, starting intermittent fasting, or using chamomile supplements (especially if you take medications), consult with your healthcare provider. This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical guidance. If you experience any adverse effects from dietary changes, stop and contact your doctor immediately.