Paleolithic Diet Benefits
Paleo diet is a dietary regime based on foods humans probably would have consumed during the Paleolithic Period approximately 2.6 million to 10,000 years ago. The Paleo diet primarily focuses on meats including fish, poultry, wild game, fruits, vegetables, seeds, eggs, and edible nuts. The diet excludes grains, legumes and starches, dairy products, refined sugars and most starches which are all processed in order to be edible food sources which became part of the human diet only after the emergence of farming cultivation of crops about 10.000 years ago. The concept behind the paleo diet was explored in a paper published in 1985 in The New England Journal Of Medicine written by American researchers Melvin Konner and S, Boyd Eaten. The paper discussed nutrient influences relevant to the Paleolithic humans and the implications of Paleolithic nutrition with regard to modern human health.
Subsequent research on ancestral human diets carried out by American scientist Loren Cordian led to his publication of The Paleo Diet in 2002 a book that formalized a trademarked eating plan of the same name. The diet is similar to the Ketogenic diet except Paleo bans soy and dairy products and allows for a greater variety of vegetables in the diet. The theory behind the Paleo diet is that human physiology has changed very little over time. Advocates of the Paleo diet believe the health of modern day humans suffered with the introduction of processed foods, particularly corn, wheat and sugar which the human body presumably is not physiologically able to utilize. The consumption of such foods is viewed by supporters of the Paleo Diet as a key factor contributing to the obesity epidemic, poor health, diabetes mellitus, allergies, chronic diseases and heart disease. Obesity continues to be a growing global health concern.
According to the World Obesity Atlas 2025 the number of adults living with obesity is projected to increase by more than 115 percent between 2010 and 2030 potentially reaching 1.13 billion worldwide. In the United States the prevalence of adult obesity is above 35 percent in 23 states as of 2024. The prevalence of severe obesity with a BMI of >40 has also risen significantly with age standard rates increasing from 6.3 percent to 8.9 percent over a 15 year period. Furthermore obesity is linked to various health conditions like joint discomfort, sleep apnea, heart disease and stroke. Excess weight increases blood pressure and cholesterol levels increasing the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Fat deposits around the neck can narrow the airways leading to breathing interruptions causing sleep apnea during sleep. Nearly 9 to 10 people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese which can lead to kidney issues, nerve damage and heart disease.
Extra weight puts strain on joints increasing the risk of developing osteoarthritis, and musculoskeletal discomfort. Anxiety, depression, low self esteem increase mental health issues with people who are obese. The Paleo Diet focuses on eating whole unprocessed foods that mimic the eating habits of early humans. Paleo uses strategies designed to reduce body fat by eating delicious foods you want to eat. Increase fiber intake consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds packed with nutrition to promote satiety feelings of fullness improving metabolic health. Prioritizing proteins by eating lean meats, fish and eggs helps maintain muscle mass and keep you full longer. Limit high glycemic foods avoiding foods that spike your blood sugar which can help regulate your appetite. The Paleo diet is based on eating foods our ancestors ate in the Paleolithic era focusing on whole unprocessed ingredients combining lean proteins, healthy fats, fiber rich vegetables which help curb your hunger, reduce cravings and eating delicious low calorie foods you want to eat.
Cheers!
Patricia Lynn
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