The Ancestral Diet

The Ancestral diet, more commonly known as the Paleo diet, refers to a way of eating that is reminiscent of the way our ancestors, the caveman, ate some 10,000 years ago, before the start of the agricultural revolution.

History

In 1975, gastroenterologist Walter Voegtlin published the "Stone Age Diet," in which he argued that humans are primarily carnivores and designed to eat a meat-heavy diet low in carbs. The premise was introduced to the masses again in the mid-1980s through a paper published in the "New England Journal of Medicine." Those authors later wrote the book, "The Paleolithic Prescription," that took Voegtlin's initial concept and modified it to include some foods that were not available in the Paleo diet. In 2002, an exercise physiologist named Loren Cordain published the popular "The Paleo Diet" and later "The Paleo Diet for Athletes."

How it Works

According to followers of the Paleo diet, Neanderthals ate a diet rich in meat, fruits, vegetables and other foods found in nature. The agricultural and industrial revolutions changed how humans ate and introduced more carbs plus processed, artificial, high-calorie, high-fat and high-sugar foods. As a result, incidences of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer grew. These problems did not exist in the Paleo era. By eating the foods people are genetically geared to eat, they become naturally lean and can reduce disease.

Food List

The Paleo diet emphasizes protein, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. The diet allows lean meats including lean cuts of beef, extra lean hamburger, lean pork and lean cuts of poultry, game meat like elk or bison, fish and shellfish, nuts and seeds, eggs, fruits and most vegetables. Oils like olive oil, diet soda, coffee, tea and alcohol are allowed in moderation.

The diet does not allow dairy as the caveman did not have the capacity to milk animals and therefore did not consume it. Cereals and grains also are not allowed because these food items were not introduced until the agricultural revolution. Other forbidden foods include beans and legumes and starchy vegetables like potatoes that proponents argue have been genetically modified since the caveman days. Fatty meats like bacon, soft drinks, fruit juices, sweets and any processed food also should be avoided.

Benefits

The Paleo diet consists of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables as well as whole, unprocessed foods and healthy fats making it high in nutrients and void of artificial ingredients. Some research has shown that this method of eating does lead to weight loss and other health improvements. A 2009 study published in the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that the diet improved blood pressure and blood sugar in subjects in just a short amount of time. Conrad also argues that the Paleo diet can help clear skin and improve athletic performance.

Considerations

The Paleo diet can be a huge adjustment as it eliminates grains and dairy. It can be difficult to find or prepare meals without these food groups. As with any low-carb diet, there are possible side effects. According to the Mayo Clinic, a high protein followed for a long period of time can eventually result in kidney damage as your body cannot eliminate the waste it needs to, or heart problems from increased consumption of red meat.