Paleo Diet

Several people I know are right into the paleo diet craze, so over the last few weeks I have been reading up on it again. I looked into it years ago when it came out, and wrote it off pretty quickly due to the high protein and fat content.

However, I am not as cynical now because at least it emphasizes eating a high load of vegetables and salad, and some fruit. At least this bit is healthier than the average diet of many Westerners - high protein and starch, very little fibrous carbs and fruit. It is possible the higher load of fibrous CHOs can reduce somewhat the damage of excessive protein and fat.

Personally, I favor the scientific consensus and Dean Ornish when it comes to optimal diet for longevity. That's a vegetarian focus. The research that has made the greatest impact on me are the Seventh Day Adventist studies, Tromso Heart studies, and the National Geographic Blue Zone findings. All these point to a diet low in animal products as being better for longevity.

Nevertheless, I accept that some people with disturbed metabolism may do better on diets higher in protein and fat, and that gluten sensitivity is a serious problem. The Paleo would seem  a reasonable weight loss diet for these people.

As for the Paleo offering a longevity advantage, only time will tell. Personally, I don't see it. Most of the people following Paleo seem not over 65yo or heavy manual workers. I don't accept a heavy manual worker can remain well fed on a diet without starch.

Anyway, I'll continue to familiarize myself with Paleo philosophy. I can certainly see how compelling the logic is behind it, but at a later stage I'll post my criticisms in a concise manner. 











Cheers Bruce