Paleo Diet Basics: The paleo diet, also known as the Paleolithic or caveman diet, harks back to the foods consumed by our ancient ancestors, excluding grains, legumes, and dairy.
Purpose and Beliefs: It aims to align our modern diet with our genetic heritage, attributing health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease to our bodies' inability to adapt to farming-based diets.
Why Choose Paleo: People opt for the paleo diet for weight management or reducing cardiovascular risk factors.
What to Eat: The diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, nuts, seeds, eggs, and healthy oils, especially those from fruits and nuts.
What to Avoid: Foods to steer clear of include grains, legumes, dairy, added sugar, added salt, starchy vegetables, and highly processed foods.
Limited Long-Term Research: While some short-term studies indicate benefits like weight loss and improved heart health, the long-term effects and nutritional concerns of the paleo diet remain unclear. Consider alternatives and ensure a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables for overall health.