The Paleolithic diet is a type of diet that is simply inspired by that of our hunter-gatherer ancestors who lived thousands of years ago. And in recent years, more and more celebrities and experts have been praising its benefits. Better digestion, weight loss, increased energy, what are the promises of this diet? And what is the truth about it? Distinguish the truth from the false about the Paleolithic diet with our article.
The Foundations of the Paleolithic Diet
The Paleolithic era
The Paleolithic diet takes its name from a period of prehistory called the Paleolithic . It was notably marked by the appearance of the first stone tools . At that time, humans were hunter-gatherers. They fed on what was available in nature : animals, fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts.
The principle of the Paleo diet is based on the idea that our genes are adapted to this ancestral way of eating . Practitioners of this diet demonstrate that modern agriculture and diets give rise to various health problems in humans, due to elements that our bodies are not biologically prepared to receive.
Allowed and prohibited foods
As with all diets known today, there is a list of foods that are allowed and forbidden in the Paleolithic diet. It is actually about favoring foods that people living at that time would have naturally consumed. Among the foods that are allowed , we therefore find in particular lean meats, fish, eggs, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds . And on the side of forbidden foods , there are dairy products, cereals, legumes, refined sugar and of course processed foods .
The goal of the paleo diet is to consume only what could have been found in nature in prehistoric times .
The Health Promises of the Paleo Diet
Improved metabolic health
One of the main promises of the paleo diet is an improvement in metabolic health . In fact, it is a diet that is often recommended as part of weight loss . And for good reason, all processed foods (high in calories and refined sugars) are excluded here, while natural and lower carbohydrate meals are favored.
By eliminating grains and refined sugar, the Paleo diet helps stabilize blood sugar levels . It's a diet that may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes or those who want to avoid insulin spikes after meals. Some studies have also shown that the Paleo diet can actually reduce inflammation and improve markers of cardiovascular health .
Better digestion and absorption of nutrients
Many Paleolithic dieters report improved digestion , particularly due to the elimination of things like dairy and gluten. In fact, by eliminating gluten, this diet can help people with intolerances or sensitivities (especially with regard to bloating and intestinal cramps).
Additionally, eating more fruits and vegetables on the Paleo diet naturally increases fiber intake , which improves digestion and makes nutrient absorption more efficient .
More energy and better well-being
Paleo dieters also often report increased energy levels from their diet. This makes sense, as eliminating foods high in sugar and processed fats helps prevent post-meal crashes and keeps energy levels more stable throughout the day.
A majority of people practicing the paleo diet also speak of an improvement in the quality of their sleep, their concentration and more generally their mood .
Paleo Diet Controversies and Criticisms
An inaccurate interpretation of the ancestors' diet
While the Paleolithic diet promises several benefits, there are also some "negative" aspects to consider. First of all, it should be remembered that it is difficult to define precisely what Paleolithic people ate . Indeed, diets can vary widely depending on the region and the seasons. For example, depending on what they had available, some groups ate mainly fish, while others ate more meat. The idea that at that time there was only one type of diet is therefore questionable.
Moreover, even if we knew exactly what these men ate, our living conditions today are very different from the living conditions of that time . Indeed, hunter-gatherers were much more active and their metabolism was different from ours, particularly because of their lifestyle.
Too restrictive a diet?
The Paleolithic diet is also often criticized for its restrictive nature . While the emphasis on natural foods is commendable, eliminating dairy, grains, and legumes can lead to nutritional deficiencies . In detail:
- Dairy products in terms of calcium, essential for bone health
- Whole grains and legumes for fiber, vitamins and minerals, important elements in the prevention of chronic diseases.
Added to this is the fact that following this diet to the letter can be difficult . For example, it can be difficult to eat out or even prepare varied meals at home.
An ecological impact
Finally, another aspect to consider regarding the Paleolithic diet is its environmental impact . Indeed, encouraging meat consumption can contribute to deforestation and the increase in greenhouse gases, due to industrial meat production. This is even the opposite of what is widely advocated today, namely the reduction of meat consumption.
Is the Paleo Diet Right for Everyone?
A diet beneficial for whom?
The Paleolithic diet may be better suited for some people , such as those with type 2 diabetes or those with food intolerances (such as gluten and lactose). This is because reducing processed foods that can cause allergic reactions helps these people better manage their health.
Some precautions to take
Be careful, this diet is not suitable for everyone . For example, it is not recommended for athletes, children or the elderly. These people may have specific nutritional needs that the paleo diet could not properly cover. Athletes need carbohydrates to maintain their performance, children or the elderly need enough calcium for their bone health.
Conclusion
Finally, the Paleolithic diet has interesting health benefits, including improved metabolic health, better digestion and increased energy. However, keep in mind that it is not without risk: it imposes dietary restrictions that can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Finally, for good health in the long term, the secret remains a balanced and diversified diet.
