The paleo diet emphasizes protein rich whole foods but restricts grains and dairy. But is it even healthy??
What is Paleo diet?
A paleo diet, also known as the paleolithic diet, stone diet, or caveman diet, is an eating pattern that is similar to the diet of early humans. It aims to mirror the way hunter-gatherer ancestors ate before agriculture was discovered.
The diet promotes eating of high protein whole foods such as lean meat, fish, poultry, fruits, and veggies but restricts the consumption of grains and dairy.
Paleo diet is based on the belief that the earlier man who used to hunt and gather their food lived a disease-free healthy life, free of chronic conditions like obesity, cardiovascular problems, and diabetes.
While it’s still debatable whether it works or not, it is linked to several health benefits.
Benefits of Paleo diet
Aids in Weight loss
The diet focuses on eating nutrient-rich diet and restricts the consumption of processed ways. This method of eating improves satiety and keeps us full for a longer period and thus aids in weight loss.
Promotes Heart Health
Heart diseases have been a major cause of death worldwide and research has shown that consuming a paleo diet reduces the risk of heart diseases. The diet helps in reducing the blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the body which are the major causes of heart diseases.
Regulated Blood Sugar Levels
Researchers have shown that people consuming a paleo diet have improved Insulin sensitivity. The hormone Insulin is responsible for regulating the Blood Sugar levels of the body and increased Insulin sensitivity supports the regulation of Blood Sugars.
Drawbacks of Paleo diet
While the diet offers several health benefits, there are some drawbacks too associated with the diet which cannot be ignored.
The most important flaw in the diet is that it restricts the consumption of many nutritious components needed in our diet. For example it restricts the consumption of legumes and dairy which are a vital source of calcium and other minerals.
Besides lacking in nutrients, the diet may be difficult for vegetarians to follow as it mostly promotes the consumption of meat.
Plus, the diet will be expensive too since it consists of mostly fresh produces which is on the pricey side.
Foods to Consume and Avoid in Paleo diet
Foods to Consume
- Fruits: apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries, plums, etc.
- Vegetables: cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, onions, etc.
- Poultry: flesh and eggs of chicken, duck, geese, etc.
- Meat: lamb, fish, etc.
- Seeds and Nuts: almonds, cashews, raisins, pistachios, walnuts, figs, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, etc.
- Spices and Condiments: cumin, turmeric, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, etc.
Foods to Avoid
- Grains: rice, bread, pasta, quinoa, etc.
- Legumes: lentils, chickpeas, peas, etc.
- Dairy: milk, cheese, curd, butter, etc.
- Processed foods: biscuits, chips, cookies, etc.
- Sugars: table sugar, desserts, artificial sweeteners, etc.
Conclusion
The paleo diet is an eating lifestyle pattern that is designed to follow the eating habits of our ancestors. The diet offers advantages like aids in weight loss, control of cardiovascular diseases, and regulating blood sugars levels. Even after offering so many advantages the diet is not a good fit for all as it restricts some major nutritious portions from the diet.