Approximately 1,500 adults living in the United States die everyday as a result of cancer, making it one of the leading causes of deaths in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Like most chronic diseases — including type 2 diabetes and heart disease — cancer risk can be modified through diet. The Paleolithic diet is one diet that may help combat cancer risk.
Background
The Paleolthic diet, commonly known as the hunter-gatherer diet, the caveman diet and the paleo diet, is an eating plan designed to recreate the way ancient humans ate. According to his book, "The Paleolithic Prescription: A Program of Diet & Exercise and a Design for Living," S. Boyd Eaton, M.D., claims the Paleolithic diet is healthier than modern diets because it better matches the way your body was meant to eat. The Paleolithic diet includes foods such as meat, nuts, vegetables and fruits. Grains, sugar, alcohol and dairy products aren't allowed on the Paleolithic diet.
Antioxidants
Cancer begins with damage to a single cell's vulnerable DNA. In most cases, your body repairs the DNA before any ill effects are felt. However, certain types of damage to DNA can result in rapid proliferation of cells, eventually forming a tumor. Your body can defend against the chief cause of DNA damage — compounds known as free radicals — with antioxidants. Antioxidants are primarily found in plant foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Eaton notes that the Paleolthic diet tends to be higher in antioxidants than modern-day Western diets. Antioxidant-rich foods appropriate for the Paleolthic diet include berries, broccoli, papaya and green leafy vegetables.
Protein
The Paleo diet includes a number of meats rich in saturated fats, such as beef and pork. Cancer Research UK notes that a diet high in saturated fats can increase your risk of breast cancer. Paleolithic protein sources that are low in saturated fat include fish, nuts, legumes and chicken.
Considerations
While an diet rich in antioxidants and low in saturated fats may reduce cancer risk, no studies have found that the Paleolithic diet influences cancer risk. In addition to eating a healthy diet, you can cut down on cancer risk by avoiding tobacco, exercising regularly and achieving a healthy body weight.
References
- "The Paleolithic Prescription: A Program of Diet & Exercise and a Design for Living"; S. Boyd Eaton, M.D., Marjorie Shostak, and Melvin Konner, M.D., Ph.D.; 1988
- American Cancer Society: The 2010 Statistics Are Out, And 767,000 People Have Celebrated More Birthdays
- Cancer Research UK: Diet and cancer - different foods and nutrients
