What Is the Paleo Diet?
The Paleo diet is the healthiest way you can eat because it's the only nutritional approach that works with your genetics to help you stay lean, strong, and energetic! Research across biology, biochemistry, and many other disciplines indicates that our modern diet—full of refined foods, trans fats, and sugar—is at the root of degenerative diseases like obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and depression.
This article delves into the core principles of the Paleo diet, explaining how a return to ancestral eating can revolutionize your health.
Building a Healthy Paleo Diet
Diverse Proteins
A key component of a successful Paleo diet is consuming a wide variety of proteins from as many animal sources as possible. Don't be afraid of fatty cuts of meat, especially if they are from pastured sources. A common oversight in modern interpretations of the Paleo diet is an over-reliance on standard cuts of meat at the expense of organ meats, bone broth, and other collagen sources. For a deeper look into a balanced protein intake, consider visiting the Weston A. Price Foundation. If you're focused on weight loss, remember that protein is essential for feeling full and satisfied between meals.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that have been shown to decrease the likelihood of developing numerous degenerative diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and neurological decline.
| Okay to Eat | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Dairy |
| Vegetables | Grains |
| Lean Meats | Processed Food & Sugars |
| Seafood | Legumes |
| Nuts & Seeds | Starches |
| Healthy Fats | Alcohol |
Healthy Fats
Enjoy healthy fats from sources like nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, fish oil, and grass-fed meat. Scientific and epidemiological studies show that diets rich in Monounsaturated and Omega-3 fats dramatically reduce the instances of obesity, cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline. While saturated fat has been demonized, it's worth asking if current recommendations for a very low saturated fat intake are truly justified.
Health Benefits of a Paleo Diet
For many people, the fact that the Paleo diet delivers tangible results is all the proof they need. From improved blood lipids to weight loss and reduced pain from autoimmunity, the evidence is compelling.
Fortunately, the Paleo diet has not only stood the test of time but also the rigors of scientific scrutiny. By making a simple dietary shift, we not only remove foods that are at odds with our health (grains, legumes, and dairy) but we also increase our intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
For more insight, check out this great paper by Professor Loren Cordain: The nutritional characteristics of a contemporary diet based upon Paleolithic food groups. This paper offers significant insight into the ideal amounts and ratios of protein, carbohydrates, and fat in the ancestral diet.
Common Counter-Arguments
It's a common misconception that our ancestors lived short, brutal lives. The Paleo concept can be new, but we encourage people not just to read about it, but to "get in and do it." Experience is often the best teacher.
To address common counter-arguments, read this comprehensive paper: Evolutionary Health Promotion: A consideration of common counter-arguments.
Does it work for diabetes?
A head-to-head comparison between the Paleo diet and the Mediterranean diet in insulin-resistant Type 2 Diabetics showed that the Paleo diet group reversed the signs and symptoms of insulin-resistant, Type 2 diabetes. The Mediterranean diet, despite being a government-endorsed alternative, showed little to no improvement. You can find the complete paper here.
Cardiovascular Disease
According to the CDC, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Interestingly, our Paleolithic ancestors and modern hunter-gatherers showed virtually no heart attacks or strokes while eating ancestral diets. The references mentioned in this article can help you better understand the heart-healthy benefits of a Paleo diet.
Autoimmunity
Autoimmunity is a process in which our body's own immune system attacks "us." This is often triggered by what's known as "leaky gut", where large, undigested food particles make their way into the body, confusing the immune system.
Common forms of autoimmunity include Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Vitiligo. The Paleo diet, particularly the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), can be highly effective in managing these conditions. Watch this insightful TED talk by Dr. Terry Wahls, MD as she describes how she reversed her Multiple Sclerosis with a Paleo diet.
If you have an autoimmune disease, consider trying the autoimmune protocol of the Paleo diet. We'd love to hear about your experience.
Power Your Paleo Journey with PureClean Performance
Ready to take your Paleo diet to the next level? Our products are formulated based on the latest longevity and athletic performance research to support your health goals.
Check out FundAminos and PureClean Protein—two excellent sources of clean, paleo-friendly protein.
Shop All PureClean Products