There are some review articles that are very readable for non-scientists written by an old boss of mine (Dr. Mark Mattson at the National Institute on Aging) on dietary intake.

Here are some:

Dietary factors, hormesis and health http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2253665?tool=pub...

Impact of energy intake and expenditure on neuronal plasticity. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2635925/?tool=pu...

Mattson is an interesting (albeit, a bit harebrained) dude. He completely believes in this caloric restriction stuff so much that he lives the lifestyle and follows a really strict diet.