Eating like cavemen: Paleo diet analysis

The Paleo diet has become popular in the last several years, especially among athletes. Paleo is short for Paleolithic, which is the era of the caveman. The Paleolithic era is also known the hunting and gathering period and came before the agricultural revolution. That means that the Paleo diet only allows foods that can be hunted or gathered: meat, seafood, poultry, nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables. Not having access to dairy, legumes and grains at the time of the caveman eliminates those food groups from the Paleo diet.

The Paleo diet comes with pros and cons. Promoters of the diet believe that the addition of agricultural rich foods has contributed to widespread obesity and chronic disease we see in today's population. How much do we really know about our ancestors' diet? Since none of us lived in that time period, we really don't know everything about their diet, but can only assume. We may have high incidence of chronic disease such as diabetes and heart disease, but the human lifespan today is far longer than it was in the Paleolithic era. Also note that hunting and gathering kept our ancestors much more active than the average Joe is today.

So, what are the pros of the Paleo diet? Well, it promotes eating whole unprocessed foods that, in general, are low in sodium and sugar. In addition, this diet emphasizes eating many fruits and vegetables that offer fiber and other important vitamins and minerals thought to help reduce inflammation - the cause of chronic disease.

Because the Paleo diet relies heavily on meat, it exceeds the The Dietary Guidelines for Americans' recommendations for protein and fat, not to mention saturated fat. The diet is also extremely low in carbohydrates, making up an estimated 25 percent of total calories compared to the recommended 45 percent to 65 percent range needed for energy. Although this has been a popular diet for athletes to follow, this low carbohydrate level could actually hinder performance.

What is missing from the Paleo diet? Whole grains, legumes, and dairy products. Whole grains and legumes are a great source of fiber, vitamin and mineral rich carbohydrates that may help to lower the risk for heart disease and diabetes. Dairy products are a great source of calcium and vitamin D to support strength of bones and teeth.

The bottom line is we are not cavemen. We have access to much more and the diet eliminates food groups that have proven health benefits. Remember, the Paleo diet is just that, a diet, and diets are tough to sustain due to food restrictions. Although the basis of the Paleo diet is positive, promoting whole, natural foods and the consumption of fruits and vegetables, why not add dairy, legumes, and whole grains to top off a well-rounded diet that's easier to follow? Not only will you not have to miss the foods you enjoy from every food group, but you will also not miss out on important nutrients your body needs for the longevity the cavemen didn't have.

Kimberly Young, MS, RDN, LD, is the WIC Coordinator at Panhandle Health District and a graduate of the University of Idaho Dietetic program.