Paleo Diet

The Paleo diet, often referred to as the Paleolithic or caveman diet, is a nutritional plan based on the presumed diet of early humans during the Paleolithic era, before the development of agriculture. This diet emphasises whole foods such as lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, while excluding processed foods, grains, legumes, and dairy. The principle behind the Paleo diet is that modern eating habits are out of sync with our evolutionary biology, and a return to the diet of our ancestors could improve health. Proponents argue that this diet can lead to weight loss, improved energy levels, and better overall health, often attributing modern health issues to processed foods and grains.

The Paleo diet’s relationship to nutrition and health is both influential and controversial. While it promotes the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods, which aligns with general nutritional recommendations, its strict exclusion of entire food groups like grains and dairy has drawn criticism from some nutritionists and health experts. The diet’s popularity reflects a growing interest in natural, whole-food-based diets and a shift towards questioning modern dietary patterns, highlighting the ongoing dialogue about the optimal diet for health and well-being.