It's almost a certainty that if you start talking about the paleo
diet plan with folks you're going to come up against some resistance.
So in order to have a few counter arguments on hand, I've come up with a list of answers to the most common pros and cons of the paleo diet...
#1 People died young in the Paleolithic period...
Of course, there's some truth to this mainly because paleolithic folks didn't have access to hospitals and drugs when they fell ill or injured themselves.
If they did survive child birth, injury and disease, paleolithic folks would have enjoyed just as long and healthy life as their modern day counterparts.
As a matter of fact, they may well have survived into a healthier old age as the evidence seems to show they didn't suffer the same 'diseases of civilization' as folks today.
#2 Saturated fat causes coronary heart disease...
Humans have been eating fatty products like butter, eggs, meat and coconut products since time immemorial.
It's only quite recently the diet police have vilified saturated fats based on the theory that saturated fats raise cholesterol which leads to heart disease. This was only ever a theory and despite years of research, no conclusive proof making this link has ever been found.
It's an excess of polyunsaturated fats consumed as vegetable oils and trans fats found in processed food that are the real culprits.
#3 Whole grains are good for us...
The fact is that grains have comparatively low nutrient density compared with other foods like meat and vegetables. Grains also elevate blood sugar in the body which over a period of time can result in insulin resistance and contribute to diabetes and obesity.
On top of this, some grains such as wheat, barley and rye contain proteins called gluten which can lead to life threatening conditions in people with celiac disease.
Although not causing celiac disease in everyone, many people still have an intolerance to gluten which can manifest in symptoms such as skin rashes, joint pain, acid reflux and autoimmune diseases.
#4 Without grains you can't get enough fibre...
You can get all the fibre you need from vegetables, tubers and fruit.
The need for an abundance of fibre in your diet is probably overplayed anyway.
To keep your bowels moving regularly just move around, keep hydrated, eat plenty of vegetables and fat and eat some probiotic food.
#5 Without diary you can't get enough calcium...
It's still possible to get enough calcium from eating leafy greens, bone broth and canned fish with bones.
Plus, you will actually be absorbing more calcium from your paleo diet as you will be eliminating many of the anti-nutrients found in foods like grains that prevent the absorption of minerals like calcium.
Besides, strong, healthy bones isn't only about calcium - getting enough vitamin D, K and magnesium as well as weight bearing exercise are all just as important.
#6: Paleo isn't environmentally friendly...
Some might argue the rearing of animals to provide the products eaten on a paleo diet isn't sustainable or environmentally friendly due to the CO2 emissions and use of land and water resources.
The truth is a grain based diet using modern agriculture is what's really damaging the environment and unsustainable due to the destroying of bio-diversity by turning vast tracks of land over to single crops, the use of pesticides and the reliance on government subsides.
#7 It costs too much to eat paleo...
It doesn't have to if you plan a little in advance and shop smart. Try these tips:-
Try it and watch your health improve.
So in order to have a few counter arguments on hand, I've come up with a list of answers to the most common pros and cons of the paleo diet...
#1 People died young in the Paleolithic period...
Of course, there's some truth to this mainly because paleolithic folks didn't have access to hospitals and drugs when they fell ill or injured themselves.
If they did survive child birth, injury and disease, paleolithic folks would have enjoyed just as long and healthy life as their modern day counterparts.
As a matter of fact, they may well have survived into a healthier old age as the evidence seems to show they didn't suffer the same 'diseases of civilization' as folks today.
#2 Saturated fat causes coronary heart disease...
Humans have been eating fatty products like butter, eggs, meat and coconut products since time immemorial.
It's only quite recently the diet police have vilified saturated fats based on the theory that saturated fats raise cholesterol which leads to heart disease. This was only ever a theory and despite years of research, no conclusive proof making this link has ever been found.
It's an excess of polyunsaturated fats consumed as vegetable oils and trans fats found in processed food that are the real culprits.
#3 Whole grains are good for us...
The fact is that grains have comparatively low nutrient density compared with other foods like meat and vegetables. Grains also elevate blood sugar in the body which over a period of time can result in insulin resistance and contribute to diabetes and obesity.
On top of this, some grains such as wheat, barley and rye contain proteins called gluten which can lead to life threatening conditions in people with celiac disease.
Although not causing celiac disease in everyone, many people still have an intolerance to gluten which can manifest in symptoms such as skin rashes, joint pain, acid reflux and autoimmune diseases.
#4 Without grains you can't get enough fibre...
You can get all the fibre you need from vegetables, tubers and fruit.
The need for an abundance of fibre in your diet is probably overplayed anyway.
To keep your bowels moving regularly just move around, keep hydrated, eat plenty of vegetables and fat and eat some probiotic food.
#5 Without diary you can't get enough calcium...
It's still possible to get enough calcium from eating leafy greens, bone broth and canned fish with bones.
Plus, you will actually be absorbing more calcium from your paleo diet as you will be eliminating many of the anti-nutrients found in foods like grains that prevent the absorption of minerals like calcium.
Besides, strong, healthy bones isn't only about calcium - getting enough vitamin D, K and magnesium as well as weight bearing exercise are all just as important.
#6: Paleo isn't environmentally friendly...
Some might argue the rearing of animals to provide the products eaten on a paleo diet isn't sustainable or environmentally friendly due to the CO2 emissions and use of land and water resources.
The truth is a grain based diet using modern agriculture is what's really damaging the environment and unsustainable due to the destroying of bio-diversity by turning vast tracks of land over to single crops, the use of pesticides and the reliance on government subsides.
#7 It costs too much to eat paleo...
It doesn't have to if you plan a little in advance and shop smart. Try these tips:-
- buy special offers
- buy locally produced food in season
- buy at farmer's markets
- buy and use whole chickens, including the bones to make a broth
- buy non-perishable items in bulk
- minimize waste, use leftovers and don't buy what you won't use
- buy frozen packets of food
- learn to cook
- invest in a crockpot/slow cooker to make delicious meals from cheaper cuts of meat
- get your parents to go paleo and invite yourself for dinner (and offer to take home any leftovers).
Try it and watch your health improve.
No comments:
Post a Comment