Paleolithic-age diets are also known by other names, such as paleo, caveman and hunter-gatherer diet. All the variations of the diet have something in common: they all focus on foods that people ate before the practice of agriculture began. This means grains and certain fruits and vegetables are scarce in the diet. A Paleolithic diet focuses on foods that were once gathered or hunted.
Background
Paleolithic diets first came into the spotlight in the 1970s. In 1975, gastroenterologist Dr. Walter L. Voegtlin self-published the first book on Paleolithic diets. Voegtlin advocated using lean proteins, nuts and seeds to treat digestive problems and to help with weight issues. According to Voegtlin, the human digestive system is similar to those of carnivorous animals, so we should be eating as they eat. He postulates this is the same way early humans ate.
Foods
Paleolithic diets shun all processed foods. This includes sugars, additives, colorings, artificial flavorings and preservatives. It also forbids grains and starchy vegetables, as they are considered poor sources of nutrients. Dairy products, beans and salt are also prohibited in Paleolithic diets. Instead, you focus on meats, eggs, root vegetables, nuts and berries. Some Paleo diets allow other fruits and vegetables. Peanuts and cashews are not considered nuts and you should avoid them. Some Paleo diets allow honey, as it's the only natural source of sugar Paleolithic-age people had access to.
Benefits
According to Loren Cordain in his book "The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Foods You Were Designed to Eat," Paleo diets can help you eliminate some of the most common diseases of modern times. Cordain and other proponents of Paleo diets believe that obesity, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, depression, cancer and diabetes are all caused by the modern diet. Cordain calls them "diseases of civilization." By going back to more basic foods and eliminating processed ones, you can improve your health and lower your risk of developing chronic diseases.
Controversy
The major point against Paleolithic diets is that cavemen lived short lives. This means they had little protection against disease and probably obtained less than optimal nutrition from the foods they ate. Another problem with Paleolithic diets is that they exclude many fruits, vegetables and grains. This is a problem because antioxidants, fiber and many essential vitamins, such as vitamins A, C and E, cannot be found in meats. Paleo diets might be dangerous for people who have health problems or special dietary needs.
References
- "The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Foods You Were Designed to Eat "; Loren Cordain; 2010
- The Paleo Diet: Paleolithic Diet
- SCD Web Library: Paleo Diets
- Earth 360: Introduction to the Paleolithic Diet; Dr. Ben Balzer
