Nicholas Nassem Taleb has argued that many systems become more robust when subjected to random shocks (a property he calls Antifragile in his book of that name).
One of the systems he applies his thinking to is human bodies. He argues that we are adapted to have a very variable diet (including some fasting as well as varied sources of nutrients). He argues that a steady diet is worse for the body than one involving regular fasting (both complete fasting from all food and regular fasting from some food groups especially meat). This idea has gained some credence in the 5-2 diet.
One interviewer summarises his idea thus (my emphasis):
Like all systems, he believes that our bodies need to maintain randomness in order to live.
He told the crowd, “We are part lion and part cow. The lion intermittently eats protein and fat, when it can hunt, and the cow steadily eats grass for nine hours a day.” According to this theory, intermittent fasting, and inconsistent meat intake are what our bodies are best evolutionarily suited to.
The author champions religion for the same reason. He is Orthodox and therefore is banned from eating proteins and fat on Friday and Wednesday. “Religion is beneficial because it forces us to randomize and vary our food intake, just as it forces you to vary your mood and place of worship.”
Is there any evidence that this sort of variability in diet has a significant effect on health?