The Paleo diet, also known as the Palaeolithic Diet or Caveman Diet, is a dietary approach that mimics the food choices of our hunter-gatherer ancestors from the Paleolithic era. The diet excludes grains, legumes, dairy products, refined sugar, processed foods, and oils. It is based on the idea that humans evolved to eat a certain way before the advent of agriculture, and returning to a more natural diet can promote better health and weight management.
For example, a typical meal on the paleo diet might consist of meat, seafood, vegetables, nuts, and berries. While it might sound restrictive, the caveman diet offers many nutrients, including antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The plan also eliminates unhealthy fats like trans fats and saturated fats and encourages the consumption of healthy oils such as olive, coconut, macadamia, and avocado.
In addition, the caveman diet promotes regular exercise and avoids excessive alcohol intake. While the diet isn’t a cure for the disease, many who follow it have reported positive outcomes with their health conditions, including chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and even weight loss.
However, it is essential to note that the troglodyte diet needs to be scientifically supported and may be challenging to maintain long-term. Discussing the diet with a healthcare provider before starting is also essential.
Proponents of the caveman diet have anecdotally claimed that it can help control autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, multiple sclerosis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is possible that the diet can reduce symptoms of these conditions, but further research is needed.
Paleo advocates recommend consuming foods high in protein, vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and magnesium. These foods include fish, poultry, pork, lean beef, eggs, and dairy. They also recommend consuming various healthy fats, including grass-fed butter, coconut oil, and extra virgin olive and avocado.
The caveman diet is low in carbohydrates and high in protein, but it’s essential to choose fatty meats that aren’t full of nitrates. Eggs are a great source of protein, but be sure to purchase organic or cage-free options for a higher omega-3 content. Nuts and seeds are also excellent sources of healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can be added to salads or eaten as a snack.
