Paleolithic Diet Review

Paleolithic Diet Review - The diet is usually referred to as the "Paleolithic Diet" referring to the Paleolithic or Stone Age era. It has also been known as the "Stone Age Diet", "Cave Man Diet" or the "Hunter-Gatherer Diet". 

Theologist believes it is the diet that was eaten in the Garden of Eden. The typical premise is that   we should increase the intake of lean meats (protein eaten in the Paleolithic Era was game and therefore probably low-fat), offal, fish and other seafood, eggs, fruit, vegetables (excluding potatoes), berries and nuts (excluding peanuts).

The typical diet must  have included many primitive forms of leafy vegetables, root vegetables (such as yams and sweet potatoes), fruits, berries, probably some grass seeds (perhaps including future 'cereals” such as primitive forms of rice and wheat), some nuts and the occasional taste of honey. Because much of the energy needed for hunting and gathering had to come from food sources other than cereal foods and milk-based foods (which provide much of our modern day diets) Paleolithic people must have eaten huge quantities of fruits and vegetables.

It is possible that root vegetables in particular made a significant contribution to the energy needs of many early people. As a result, intakes of most essential nutrients and dietary fiber were likely to have been much higher than now, with one notable exception: average salt intake was probably no more than about one-fifth that of most people today.

Authors of today have published various versions of what is believed to be this diet, which each author opinion varies on the recommended oils, basically the consensus seems to be that the oils from allowed plants are fine. Olive oil, nut oils, and flax seed oil are universally endorsed. Fish oil supplements are often recommended. Nuts and fruit are limited in many plans.

What we like about this plan. Eating whole foods without any processing or additives is step in a great direction. Cavemen were very active people. Plan says that exercise is every bit as important as the diet. This is very positive lifestyle change that will compliment any weight reduction program. Going back to basics seems like a logical idea.

What we dislike about this plan.   Modern life has created scenarios that are contrary to our natural physical needs. It might not be necessary to eliminate foods like beans and potatoes and low-fat dairy. Some authors do not incorporate the fruits and nuts this diet, by doing this it turns into a modern day low carbohydrate diet. There is no support system for these plans, just the cost of the books.

How  healthy is this plan? A balanced Paleolithic diet is thought to be generally free of harmful side effects, although anyone excluding milk and dairy products should be careful to maintain sufficient dietary levels of calcium to avoid problems such as osteoporosis. Many aspects of the Paleolithic diet have proven health benefits.  A controlled study of Type 2 diabetics shows that this diet style managed to get blood sugar under control. There is absolutely no question that people who get plenty of exercise and eat lots of fruits and vegetables and avoid saturated fats tend to be healthier.

Here’s the bottom Line. While there is no single Paleolithic diet, cultures in different parts of the world ate widely differing diets, due to the availability in each locality and depending on the season. Most included much lean red meat from game, as well as eggs, fish, fruit, nuts, and vegetables. Excluded from most Paleolithic diets were grains (e.g., breads, pasta, cereals, and corn), milk, refined sugars and beans. These diets are high in high-quality protein, fiber, photochemical, and omega 3 fats. They are low in salt and saturated fats. If you focus on these basic recommendations, add some exercise and this might be a 40,000 year old plan that can work for you.