Paleo Diet – Advantages and Drawbacks

Paleolithic diet, also known as cavemen diet is based on a premise that if cavemen did not eat certain foods, we shouldn’t either. Grains, refined sugar, legumes and diary should be forgotten, whereas fish, meat, poultry, vegetables and fruits should be welcomed. Paleo diet is modernized diet of our ancestors in Paleolithic era, prior to the agricultural revolution.

Why do people choose Paleo diet? According to Paleo diet supporters, human body has evolved and changed since Paleolithic era, but food has evolved more rapidly. For that reason, our body hasn’t adapted enough to digest all the modern day foods and inadequate diet causes chronic diseases and cellular inflammation. Cavemen diet is rich in phytochemicals, low-glycemic carbohydrates, monounsaturated fat (omega-3 fatty acids), antioxidant vitamins and soluble fiber. Naturally, trans fats, added sugars, high-glycemic carbohydrates and gluten are absent in this diet. You don’t have to count calories, guess on appropriate portion size etc.

However, the Paleo diet can be misinterpreted and it has a few drawbacks. First of all, meat today isn’t the same as it was in Paleolithic era; meat used to be leaner. Nowadays, animals are domesticated, stuffed with food  and do no move that much which results in fatty meat. Additionally, in Paleolithic era the average lifespan was approximately in the twenties. The cavemen diet lacks some micronutrients, especially vitamin D and calcium.

So, what do we suggest? The Paleo diet should be considered, despite its drawbacks. However, it’s good to combine the healthy aspects of both modern and ancient times. We should focus on fresh vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts and healthy oils. When we purchase food, we should choose lean grass-fed meat, wild seafood and organic veggies and fruits. Also, pay attention on your cooking. For example, look for paleo salmon recipes if you won’t to avoid non-paleo ingredients when preparing salmon dishes. To complement our meals, lower fat dairy should be included in a diet. Also, think about several changes in a lifestyle. Why don’t you supplement sessions at the gym with purposeful activities?