The paleolithic diet -- often called the stone age diet or "paleo" diet -- is an eating plan that attempts to re-create the way humans ate thousands of years ago. Paleo dieters strictly limit their consumption of modern-day foods like grains, processed snacks, cookies and soft drinks. Instead, the paleolithic diet is based on consumption of old-school favorites like vegetables and fruits, nuts, meat and fish. There are four chief benefits of following a paleolithic diet plan.
Blood Glucose Levels
Controlling blood glucose levels is a must for successfully managing diabetes. However, many people find that keeping their blood sugar under control is a challenge. According to a 2009 study published in "Cardiovascular Diabetology," diabetics who switch to a paleolithic diet can improve their HbA1c -- an indicator of long-term blood glucose control -- more than those who consume a typical American Diabetic Association diet. Paleolithic dieters also improved their blood pressure and blood cholesterol profiles more than ADA dieters.
Weight Control
In a paper published in the June 2004 "Mayo Clinic Proceedings," Colorado University scientist James O'Keefe notes that the obesity issue largely stems from the consumption of unhealthy processed foods. Modern foods like baked goods and processed grains are more energy-dense than natural foods like vegetables and fruits. Energy-dense foods tend to contain more calories than low-energy-dense foods and can contribute to weight gain, MayoClinic.com reports. Consuming a diet more aligned with the way your ancestors ate can help you feel full and control your body weight more easily than if you eat a diet rich in modern-day foods.
Omega-3 Fats
Omega-3 fats reduce inflammation and boost sagging HDL or "good cholesterol" levels. Omega-3 fats also positively affect blood pressure and reduce heart disease risk. The paleolithic diet is richer in omega-3 fats than most other popular diet plans like Atkins and the Ornish diet, O'Keefe notes. Omega-3 foods common to the paleolithic diet include nuts, fatty fish, shellfish and flaxseeds.
Heart Disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States -- an issue that O'Keefe says is the result of the modern Western diet. The paleolithic diet is rich in heart-healthy nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, monounsaturated fats and dietary fiber. Regularly consuming paleolithic foods -- and avoiding modern foods -- can help you manage heart disease risk factors like hypertension, obesity and high "bad" or LDL cholesterol.
References
- "Mayo Clinic Proceedings"; Cardiovascular Disease Resulting From a Diet and Lifestyle at Odds With Our Paleolithic Genome: How to Become a 21st-Century Hunter-Gatherer; J OKeefe et al.; June 2004
- "Cardiovascular Diabetoligia"; Beneficial effects of a Paleolithic diet on cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes: a randomized cross-over pilot study; T Jonsonn et al.; July 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Energy density and weight loss; Jan. 20, 2011
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: February is American Heart Month
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