Intermittent fasting (IF) describes diets that cycle between a period of fasting and non-fasting. In some contexts, fasting allows the consumption of a limited amount of low-calorie beverages such as coffee or tea. Intermittent fasting and caloric restriction are forms of dietary restriction (DR), which is sometimes referred to as dietary energy restriction (DER). Intermittent fasting may have beneficial effects on the health and longevity of animals—including humans—that are similar to the effects of caloric restriction (CR). Specifically, it has been proposed that intermittent fasting improves the cardiovascular and neurological systems. Some studies suggest that benefits could be the result of an overall reduction in caloric intake.