What You Need to Know About The Sirtfood Diet; Scientific or Just Another Fad?

The secret behind the weight loss promise of The Sirtfood diet lies in the claim that the diet influences the ability of the body to burn fat and improve the metabolic system. Apart from reduction of weight, the diet also promises rejuvenating effect and cellular repair.

According to the Daily Mail, the diet involves the intake of foods which could interact with a family of proteins referred to as sirtuin proteins, or SIRT1 - SIRT7. And, it is gaining popularity because it allows a person to consume foods like chocolates and red wine. It also includes other foods like citrus fruits, blueberries, kale, prawns, salmons, which are all believed to be rich in sirtuins.

The diet restricts the amount of calorie intake to 1,000 calories per day for the first three days of a weekly schedule. The dieter will have to consume three Sirtfood green juices and a normal meal rich in Sirtfoods.

For the next four to seven days, the calorie intake is increased to 1,500 calories and involves two juices and two meals. It also advises the dieter to make sure that a balanced diet is consumed and the foods must be rich in sirtuin foods.

While some studies have showed that transgenic mice with higher levels of SIRT6 had a longer lifespan compared to the wild-type mice and that the SIRT2 could slow metazoan (yeast) ageing, there is no conclusive evidence as of yet that the Sirtfood diet could also work well with humans.

According to Matthew Haines, a senior lecturer at the University of Huddersfield, there is no science behind the Sirtfood diet and it is not a 'quick fix' for weight loss nor does it offer health benefits.

As for Aidan Goggins and Glen Matten who are both credited for the diet, those who follow the diet can achieve weight loss in as little as one week, says the Huffington Post.

"It's about eating the foods you love, not cutting foods out or demonising whole food groups," the pair said. "Forget calorie counting, forget low carb, forget low fat, and forget kooky food restrictions full stop. Dark chocolate, curry, and coffee are all very much on the menu, along with a bounty of other genuinely tasty foods. It's a highly effective way of eating for people who enjoy their food."

Some trials on Sirtfood Diet claim that the participants were able to shed 7 pounds, on the average, in a week. Other benefits include energy boost, improved sleep and better skin.

The authors also said that Sirtfoods are so potent that it can prevent chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer's, among others, better than prescription meds.

"It's no wonder that it is well-established that the cultures eating the most Sirtfoods have been the leanest and healthiest in the world," they added.