The paleo diet, the “biologically appropriate” diet, is named for the Paleolithic era, which extended 2.5 million years ending in 10,000 B.C. with the advent of agriculture and animal husbandry. It consists of the foods that comprised the diet of our human ancestors during this period, namely wild-caught fish, grass-fed meats, fruits, vegetables, roots, and nuts. Any “modern” foods introduced from the agricultural era forward such as grains, dairy, sugar, and processed foods are eliminated.
The theory behind the diet, supported by extensive archaeological and anthropological evidence, is based on the premise that modern humans do best on Paleolithic nutrition because human genetics have largely remained the same since the pre-agricultural era and thus our genetic makeup is best suited to the ancestral human diet. According to research, pre-agricultural humans were free of the diseases of the civilized world such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, and autoimmune diseases. Modern studies, including clinical studies, have shown as well that the paleo diet and the restoration of the lifestyle conditions of our ancestors, such as sleep and exercise, have resolved numerous diseases.
IN PARTICULAR, THE PALEO DIET HAS BEEN SHOWN TO ALLEVIATE OR REDUCE THE RISK OF:
Arthritis
Asthma
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis
Cancer
Cardiovascular disease
Depression
Diabetes
Gastrointestinal disease
Insomnia
Obesity
Osteoporosis
Stroke
OTHER BENEFITS OF THE PALEO DIET INCLUDE:
Cure for acne
Anti-aging benefits such as fewer wrinkles
More satisfying sex life
Higher energy levels
Absence of common food allergens: peanuts, soy, milk and wheat
Suitable for people on the gluten-free diet or gluten-free casein-free diet
Balanced hormones
Improved stamina
Mental clarity
Whatever your reason for starting the paleo diet, eating a biologically appropriate diet not only has the power to change your body and your health, but your quality of life.
I welcome all questions; just email me.
If you have any questions or suggestions just email me at Tina (at) Paleomazing.com.
I'm a cookbook-collecting, recipe-developing paleo junkie, and I live in the kitchen. I'm hooked on farmers' markets, traveling, eating healthy, and hiking until my legs scream at me. There's nothing better than hanging out with family and good friends. I have fun and sleeping is just plain boring. Read more About Tina Turbin.
