The Paleo Diet is literally taking the world by storm! Advocates of this diet propose excluding grains and dairy products from our diets as well as sugar, alcohol and some carbohydrates in order for our bodies to function optimally. But what is the rationale behind such a radical exclusion of entire food groups? Research into this approach to nutrition has indicated that our bodies are in fact not genetically engineered to process the foods that came to be included in our diets 10,000 years ago during the agricultural revolution - most predominantly grains and dairy produce. It is the inclusion of these foods as well as the more modern processed foods that are believed to be one of the root causes of our degeneration into diseases like obesity, diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and cancer.Is there any evidence to back up such hefty claims? Research into early man’s dietary habits has revealed that there is no documented evidence in ancient hunter-gatherer societies (or modern ones for that matter) that indicate the existence of any of these modern maladies between 2.5 million years ago and 10,000 years ago (the Paleolithic era). During this time man ate foods that could be hunted and gathered out in the wild and required little or no cooking to make them edible. During this time, no medicines had been invented yet, so the assumption is that diet had to play a role in ancient man’s excellent health. Thus, by adopting similar eating patterns, it is assumed that modern man can also enjoy these health benefits.And so the Paleo Diet was born! This diet follows the dietary guidelines laid down millions of years ago by modern mankind’s ancestors during the Paleolithic era. Instead of loading our bodies with processed food, grains and dairy products that lead to disease, digestive ailments and poor overall health, the followers of Paleo fill up on wholesome, real foods like lean meat, eggs, seafood, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats like nuts and seeds. This is what our bodies are designed to consume and this is what will keep us looking and feeling our best. The health benefits of such a clean eating regime are numerous. Not only will you be staving off serious and life-threatening diseases, but you will feel energized and revitalized like never before. So get in touch with your evolutionary roots and go Paleo - it’s the secret to good health and longevity.
