What are the implications of this for the paleo diet?

[Deleted User]

I've often wondered about the validity of "eating like a caveman" from an evolutionary point of view.  I'm niether pro or con when it comes to the paleo diet (but I sure like whole grains, dairy, and beans) and have an open mind when it comes to nutrition.  But I came across this article today though that illustrates how humans (and dogs) have relatively quickly evolved to take advantage of new types of food as they became available.  Thought some of you might find it interesting:

http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2013/01/dog-domestication-tied-to-starch.html?ref=hp

tim cronk

Jim I'd like to say keep your open mind and educate yourself. I did and ended up Vegan or more appropriately plant-based. I dont want to discuss Paleo vs. Vegan as it is a personal decision but I will mention the common theme between the 2 , No Dairy and More Veggies, the rest is debatable.

tim cronk

Jim I'd like to say keep your open mind and educate yourself. I did and ended up Vegan or more appropriately plant-based. I dont want to discuss Paleo vs. Vegan as it is a personal decision but I will mention the common theme between the 2 , No Dairy and More Veggies, the rest is debatable.

Anu Rao

I wonder about it when I see some people who are complete lazy slugs adopt it. Cavemen also chased, hunted and gathered their food, the working out seems a part of the equation is missing for many. But I guess if it gets people to a healthier weight its a good thing.

Betsy Kantor

I agree with Tim, more greens and less dairy (alkaline diet), and with Anu, exercise is important too. I am no expert on nutrition but have an interest. Dr. Sears, from the intro to the Zone diet claims (and he backs up what he says with data from literature) that about 25% of humans have evolved genetically to adequately handle high glycemic loads (i.e., not spike insulin levels). Another 25%, on the other end of the spectrum, have evolved so poorly, that they can just look at a glycemic load and send their insulin levels to the moon. And the majority 50% have partially evolved but still poorly control their insulin levels with a high glycemic load. So its really about controlling your insulin levels with balancing carb loads, as its pretty well excepted now that chronic hyperinsulinemia sets you down the bad metabolic path to diabesity. As Anu aludes, we get to load before we work out hard, but we are burning it off. I try to eat in the zone the rest of the day. I personally am Paleo and avoid grains too as I believe the large polysaccharides affect the lining of the gut in most of us (75% that haven't evolved well) not just those with celiac disease, but just my preference.
BTW, we have a doberman and a pitbull and their dinner every night is a sweet potato, half pound of raw hamburger and half cup of blue mountain grain free kibble high in fruits and veggies-our vet's recommended diet (I think they eat better than 99% of worlds's population)

[Deleted User]

Posted By Anu Rao on 25 Jan 2013 11:33 PM

I wonder about it when I see some people who are complete lazy slugs adopt it. Cavemen also chased, hunted and gathered their food, the working out seems a part of the equation is missing for many. But I guess if it gets people to a healthier weight its a good thing.

People are very selective when it comes to processing information!