There are many people who have changed their eating patterns to stick with the Paleo diet guidelines or other similar, low carbohydrate diets. Does it have merit?

The Paleo diet is based on the concept that we should be following a diet that we are genetically adapted to follow, namely eating foods that are from the food groups that our ancestors used to eat as hunter-gatherers in the palaeolithic era.

The common denominator between these diets is that they largely cut out the intake of carbohydrates. The difference with the Paleo diet is that no dairy can be consumed at all.

As a whole, the diet includes:

    • A higher protein intake from grass-fed animal sources and seafood
    • No dairy
    • No legumes (which include peanuts and soybeans and products made with them)
    • A lower carbohydrate intake which only includes non-starchy fruits and vegetables (no other carbohydrates such as grains, potatoes or sugar)
    • An increased fibre intake from fruits and vegetables
    • No salt
    • No processed foods
    • A higher monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat intake with a nod to eating fish containing omega-3 fatty acids.

Benefits reported include a reduced risk of heart disease, a reduced risk for type 2 diabetes, better management of diabetes, weight loss and an improvement in athletic ability.

Should you be following the Paleo diet?

Be aware that the diet requires a commitment to quite a number of changes and if you are a vegetarian or a vegan, your protein intake from nuts, nut butters, etc will have to increase as legumes are not a part of this eating plan.

Although some people may benefit from this diet, it cannot be recommended for everyone. Before starting any new diet, consult your medical practitioner and have your health checks done so that you are aware of your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol readings.

 

Sources

 

http://thepaleodiet.com
http://www.food24.com