55-year-old David Sinclair, professor of genetics at Harvard University and a leading expert in longevity and cell regeneration, claims that one meal a day may be enough once one turns 50.
This recommendation is based on the fact that reducing calorie intake and activating proteins that support cell repair can have long-term health effects.
According to Sinclair, the human body has genetic self-defense mechanisms that can be stimulated by moderate stressors, such as cold, intense exercise, and dietary restriction.
The professor is not talking about a miracle diet, but about activating the type of proteins called sirtuins, which are responsible for maintaining cellular balance and repairing damaged DNA. These are naturally stimulated by fasting, controlled exposure to cold or heat, and intense physical activity.
According to the expert, all these forms of “good stress” signal the body to switch to survival mode, mobilizing internal resources to protect cells, reduce inflammation and prevent disease.
However, Sinclair says that as we age, the body’s energy intake needs to decrease for optimal functioning. Maintaining a high calorie intake becomes not only unnecessary, but downright harmful, accelerating the aging process of cells. This is why he considers that one balanced meal a day can provide all essential nutrients and stimulate the body’s internal regeneration activity after the age of 50.
The expert’s theory is based on sound scientific foundations. The research, published in the journal Metabolism Clinical and Experimental, analyzed the effect of eating once a day on a group of participants.
The results showed significant weight loss, an improvement in “bad” cholesterol (LDL) levels and an increase in “good” cholesterol (HDL). The downside of the process was that the subjects experienced increased hunger and higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, especially in the first few weeks of the diet.
These results show that the method should not be used recklessly and is not for everyone. People with metabolic disorders or chronic diseases should definitely consult an expert before starting the one-meal-a-day diet. In addition, nutritional balance is essential: one meal a day should be balanced, that is, it should contain vitamins, proteins, minerals and fiber.
In addition to intermittent fasting, the essence of this diet, Sinclair recommends adhering to some basic routines for a long and healthy life: quitting smoking, quality sleep, intense physical exercise (preferably daily), and regular but controlled exposure to cold and heat, which also has a beneficial effect on the body.