Is the Sirtfood Diet Safe and Effective?

The Sirtfood Diet has now made its way into the spotlight as one of the latest crazes in eating in order to improve health and weight management. While some have been raving about its benefits, there are still health experts who are speaking out against it and have been calling it the nothing more than the latest fad.

Fads are rampant in the weight loss and dieting world, so it isn’t out of the question that the Sirtfood Diet could find itself within that category. However, before becoming too skeptical about it, it is important to take a closer look at what it entails and what evidence is available to support its use.

The idea of the Sirtfood Diet is based on eating foods that might interact with a protein group referred to as the sirtuin proteins, also called SIRT1 through SIRT7. What makes this diet seem very appealing to many people is that it features superfoods such as kale and blueberries, everyday favorites such as citrus fruits, as well as the options that help it to stand out from the rest, such as chocolate and red wine.

It is those last two foods that have truly pushed this diet over the top and have allowed it to become exceptionally popular. However, many health and nutrition experts are telling people not to get too excited about this diet, quite yet. This diet has undergone little to no study and may not offer nearly as many health advantages as the proponents of this eating strategy have suggested.

Moreover, this diet is quite restrictive and is not one that should be considered to be something that could be maintained over the long term. For the first three days, an extremely low 1,000 calories are permitted, and they are to be consumed in the form of three green juices specific to the diet, in addition to a normal meal that is high in the recommended foods.

Days four through seven boost calorie intake to 1,500 per day which are made of two juices and two meals. After that, the dieter must continue onward with a balanced diet that is high in sirtuin foods and green juices.

While this does sound tasty and even sounds healthful, it is the calorie restriction that is likely to have the biggest impact on a dieter’s weight, and not necessarily the presence of the recommended foods. In fact, it’s likely that the difference between this and the next superfood based diet that restricts calories is likely quite low.

* This article is for informational purposes only and not to be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medications, supplements, diet, or exercise routine.