Paleo Diet
Diet Fad Analysis
You may confer and research in learning teams, but individual completion and submission is required for this assignment.
Write a short (not more than 2 pages) paperrr analyzing the validity of a particular diet fad. Be sure to include the scientific rationale for the diet, the benefits, and the potential dangers. The following are examples:
- Atkins Diet
- South Beach Diet
- Whole 30
- Paleo
- Any type of juice cleanse
At least three references should be cited in the APA format. Correct spelling and grammar are expected.
Answer:
The Paleo Diet
The Paleo diet, also known as the “caveman diet”, is a diet that focuses on consuming foods that were available to humans during the Paleolithic era, which dates from approximately 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago. This diet is based on the premise that our ancestors ate a diet that was high in protein and low in carbohydrates, and that modern processed foods and high carbohydrate diets have led to the increased incidence of obesity and other health problems. The Paleo diet consists of meat, fish, poultry, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. It prohibits the consumption of processed foods, dairy, grains, legumes, and added sugars.
The scientific rationale behind the Paleo diet is that it is based on the evolutionary biology and anthropological evidence that humans evolved to eat a certain type of diet. Proponents of the Paleo diet argue that our ancestors did not have access to the processed foods and high-carbohydrate diets that are prevalent in modern times, and that this is the reason why we are facing an increased incidence of obesity and other health problems. The diet is designed to mimic the types of foods that our ancestors would have eaten, and is thought to help restore the balance of nutrients in our bodies, improve our metabolism, and reduce the risk of disease.
The benefits of the Paleo diet include weight loss, improved energy levels, and improved overall health. By cutting out processed foods, refined sugars, and high carbohydrate diets, proponents of the Paleo diet argue that it can help reduce the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. The diet is also thought to improve the health of the gut microbiome, increase nutrient absorption, and reduce inflammation in the body.
However, there are also potential dangers associated with the Paleo diet. The strict restrictions on certain food groups, such as grains and legumes, can lead to nutrient deficiencies, particularly in important minerals like calcium and iron. The high protein and fat content of the diet can also put stress on the liver and kidneys, and increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. Additionally, the exclusion of dairy products from the diet can lead to a lack of calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health.
In conclusion, the Paleo diet is a popular diet that has both benefits and potential dangers. While it can help with weight loss and improve overall health, the strict restrictions on certain food groups can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other health problems. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting the Paleo diet, to ensure that it is appropriate for your individual needs and health conditions.
References:
- Cordain, L., Eaton, S. B., Sebastian, A., Mann, N., Lindeberg, S., Watkins, B. A., … Brand-Miller, J. (2005). Origins and evolution of the Western diet: health implications for the 21st century. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 81(2), 341-354.
- O’Keefe, J. H., & Cordain, L. (2004). Cardiovascular disease resulting from a diet and lifestyle at odds with our Paleolithic genome: how to become a 21st-century hunter-gatherer. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 79(1), 101-108.
- Eaton, S. B., Konner, M., & Shostak, M. (1988). Stone agers in the fast lane: chronic degenerative diseases in evolutionary perspective. American Journal of Medicine, 84(4), 739-749.
