Your Paleo Primer
Better Nutrition|April 2021
Done well, the paleo diet is one of the cleanest plans around. Here's how to make it work for you.
By Lisa Turner
Your Paleo Primer

It may be trendy today, but the general concept behind the Paleo diet dates back to the 1970s, when gastroenterologist Walter Voegtlin noted that our huntergatherer ancestors—who subsisted on lean meat, leafy greens, nuts, and berries—knew what they were doing.

Also known as the Caveman or Stone age Diet, Paleo is based on the presumed diet of our ancestors in the Paleolithic era, essentially foods that could be found by hunting and gathering. When farming practices began, grains, legumes, and dairy quickly became staples of the human diet. But as the Paleo theory goes, our bodies aren’t designed to eat foods that emerged from farming practices, and this genetic mismatch contributes to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other modern illnesses. Many studies support these claims. Some highlights:

Weight loss. By eliminating specific foods, the Paleo diet naturally lessens cravings and makes losing weight easier. It’s high in protein and (ideally) fiberrich vegetables, which impact hormones linked with appetite and promote feelings of fullness. Many studies suggest that going Paleo results in (often significant) weight loss, lower body fat, and reduced waist circumference.

In some research, a Paleostyle diet improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles better than the Mediterranean diet.

Heart health. Several studies show that a Paleo diet can increase beneficial HDL cholesterol levels, lower harmful LDL and triglyceride levels, and decrease blood pressure—in some cases, better than other heart-healthy diets that replace saturated fat with carbs and reduce total fat intake.

Denne historien er fra April 2021-utgaven av Better Nutrition.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra April 2021-utgaven av Better Nutrition.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA BETTER NUTRITIONSe alt
Strike A Healing Chord
Better Nutrition

Strike A Healing Chord

Soothe your mind, body, and spirit with three simple sound therapy techniques for self-care.

time-read
7 mins  |
January 2022
Laura's Gourmet Granola
Better Nutrition

Laura's Gourmet Granola

If you’re tired of granola that’s more candy than health food, chef and entrepreneur Laura Briscoe’s offerings are just what you’ve been looking for.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2022
News Bites
Better Nutrition

News Bites

Caffeine, Peanuts, CoQ10, and Iron Deficiency.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2022
The Overlooked Keys to a Healthy Gallbladder
Better Nutrition

The Overlooked Keys to a Healthy Gallbladder

Keep your bile thin and free-flowing by focusing on supportive foods, supplements, and physical activity.

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2022
Go Nutty This Year
Better Nutrition

Go Nutty This Year

This über-healthy alternative to traditional lattes features homemadewalnut “mylk,” along with antioxidant-rich green tea and berries.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2022
The Three Stages of Infection
Better Nutrition

The Three Stages of Infection

What you need before, during and after an illness, and why you need different fixes for each stage.

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2022
Better Nutrition

Taming the Flames

How to beat back chronic inflammation and protect yourself from related disease.

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2022
Deconstructing the Flexitarian Diet
Better Nutrition

Deconstructing the Flexitarian Diet

How being a part-time vegan can make you healthier.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2022
Brain Regain
Better Nutrition

Brain Regain

How one senior used a leptin-focused diet (high-fat, no carbs) to recover from a cognitive injury, reconnect with his family, and reclaim his health.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2022
Healthy Aging— Head To Toe
Better Nutrition

Healthy Aging— Head To Toe

Science-backed supplements to protect all your parts.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2021