The diet under the spotlight is the Paleolithic or simply paleo diet. Kowalski, & Bujko, (2012) noted that the diet primarily consists of fruits, roots, nuts, and meat. They reflect what the early man used to eat during the Paleolithic age. However, the diet excludes some notable foods such as dairy products, sugar, grains, processed oils, legumes, salt, coffee, and sugar amongst others. The diet advocates for the avoidance of all the processed foods and asks human beings to go natural in a bid to relive the life of human beings after the Neolithic Revolution after human beings avoided the hunter-gathering economic activity and decided to settle for agriculture. The foods are also described as modern fad diets, and just like many of them, the primary role is to improve health. Research has shown that adhering to the dietary demands of the Paleolithic foods enhances the body composition of an individual including their metabolic rates. However, there is no documented evidence that the foods help in the process of weight loss. The only way it aids in weight loss is through caloric restrictions.
Some of the major nutrients found in the Paleolithic diet include protein, carbohydrate, and fat at 38%, 23%, and 39% respectively (Kowalski, & Bujko, 2012). Despite having low carbohydrate levels, the foods have a high amount of plant fiber at approximately 42.5g. Research has further shown that most contemporary Paleolithic foods have a high amount of fat at 39% in reference to the average values of 34% found in the western diets. In explaining the etiology of the source of the extra amount of fat, it is imperative to note that the foods have a high amount of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Approximately more than 50% of the energy has their source from animal foods (Kowalski, & Bujko, 2012). Also, the saturated fat content falls within the healthy limits of the body. Other nutrients high in the Paleolithic diet include the omega 3 fatty acids, but on the contrary, omega 6 acids are in low quantities. However, most of the contemporary Paleolithic foods have vast amounts of cholesterol than the recommended values. They also have high levels of Potassium and small amounts of Sodium.
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The consumption of the Paleolithic diet comes with plenty of advantages. Since it advocates for increased use of fruits and vegetables, there is a likelihood of better health outcomes such as the reduction in blood pressure. It also advocates for the use of low-density lipoproteins another essential strategy in evading heart diseases such as stroke and congestive heart failure. The use of fruits and vegetable endows the body with vital vitamins such as A, C, and E. The Paleolithic diet further discourages the excessive use of sodium which has a positive influence in mitigating high blood pressure. Pitt (2016) illustrated that its elimination of refined carbohydrates in its system ensures that the risk of acquiring diseases such as type 2 diabetes remain minimal.
However, important to note is that the diet is also associated with some negativity. It discourages the use of other types of food that would likely have health benefits including dairy, legumes, and whole grains. They also provide the body with Calcium levels that are way below the recommended daily intake, especially for the adults. Therefore, this sets a center stage for bone problems such as osteopenia, osteoporosis, and demineralization. Pitt (2016) noted that researchers have also questioned the prospect of high protein-intake on the functionality of the kidney. The diet has also been associated with side effects such as headaches, weaknesses, and diarrhea. In conclusion, I believe that the diet is better than many dietary plans because it rejects potentially hazardous foods and reflects on the natural food that human beings consumed during the olden ages.
References
Kowalski, L. M., & Bujko, J. (2012). Evaluation of the biological and clinical potential of the Paleolithic diet. Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny , 63 (1), 9-15.
Pitt, C. E. (2016). Cutting through the Paleo hype: The evidence for the Paleolithic diet. Australian family physician , 45 (1/2), 35.
