Why paleo is good

The paleo diet is the ultimate throwback diet: It promotes a return to eating as our ancestors did in the Stone Age. That means no sugar, grain, dairy, legumes, or beans on the paleo diet. No highly processed cookies or cakes.

And no foods with added hormones or artificial ingredients. Hyman says. Should you embrace the caveman way? But the benefits may extend beyond your waistline. One October review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that, when compared with other diets, the paleo approach led to small improvements in blood pressure in people with signs of metabolic syndrome, fasting blood sugar, and triglycerides , which are fats found in the blood that can increase your risk of stroke, heart attack , and death.

For instance, some experts caution against the paleo diet because eliminating dairy can leave you with lower levels of calcium and vitamin D. Over time, this could put you at risk of developing osteoporosis , bone fractures, or rickets. Many also worry because the diet is often interpreted as meat-centric.

Youdim says. December American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. October Paleo Diet Still Lacks Evidence. September Pitt CE.

Global Health. January—February Physical Activity for a Healthy Weight. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 15, The Cost of Organic Food. Consumer Reports. March 19, Metzgar M, et al.

Nutrition Research. June National Institutes of Health. March 26, American Journal of Public Health. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. April Nature Medicine. Diabetes and Your Heart.

January 31, Whole Grains and Fiber. American Heart Association. Instead, the Paleo Diet emphasizes eating a wide variety of plenty of vegetables — which research shows is important for good health. The Paleo Diet requires time and resources to buy fresh, local products and to prepare food at home, as well as the time and energy to be physically active. This can be a barrier. It is also nearly impossible for vegetarians or vegans to do well, as legumes are an important protein source for them.

Our modern food is heavily processed, reliant on grains and sugars and modified fats. The Paleo Diet posits that our food may be contributing to these diseases. As with any significant dietary change, it is best to consult your doctor before diving into the Paleo Diet.

If you have the desire and time to prepare your own food and to get physically active, then a Paleolithic-type diet may work for you. Remember it is always important to work with your doctor and to pay attention to how your body responds. Interested in nutrition? Sign up and request more information to learn more about your options! Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are important fuels for brain and muscle activity. But most of us can and should eat fewer refined carbohydrates, which add unnecessary ingredients and calories but little fiber and protein and few vitamins and minerals to our diets.

They also are often fortified just to appear healthy on nutrition labels. Dairy is an individual choice. Paleo advocates often say dairy promotes inflammation, but some research shows the opposite: low-fat dairy intake actually decreases inflammatory markers in the blood.

It is high in fiber, potassium and antioxidants while being low in simple carbohydrates, sodium and sugar. It emphasizes local, sustainable, organic and non-GMO foods and grass-fed meat options.

It discourages foods that are processed or have artificial ingredients and colorings. It encourages foods that make the body work hard to obtain calories while providing nutrients that optimize efficient use of those calories.