The Ongoing Paleo Diet Debate: Part 2 – Are Carbohydrates Bad?
July 25th, 2011This is part two of a series of articles that explores the controversial Paleolithic diet. If you missed the first article here’s a brief review of what the Paleolithic Diet is all about.
The Paleolithic Diet prescribes a diet similar to what is perceived to be the ancient diet of cavemen of the Paleolithic period. Because Paleolithic Cavemen largely survived on wild animals and plants, today’s more modern version centers on meat, fish, vegetables, nuts, roots, and fruits. Most followers of this diet adhere to about 65% of all calories from animal sources and the remaining 35% from plant-based food.
The debate over the nutritional calibre of the Paleolithic diet stems from the exclusion of grains as well as other carbohydrates. Starchy tubers such as potatoes and beets, and legumes are prohibited.
By default, most low carb diets are usually high in total fat and cholesterol, which can contribute to cancer and heart disease. They also usually encourage high accelerator intake, which can strain the liver and kidneys.
Dietitians as well as most of the medical community will tell you that a healthy diet consists of grain products, vegetables and fruits and is low in saturated fats, including animal fat.
As you can see, the Paleo diet is missing in grains but has an abundance of animal fat.
A bit of carbophobia seems to be involved.
There seems to be a bit of carbophobia involved with the Paleo way of life. According to Paleo proponents, since the early hunters and gatherers didn’t consume many of the carbohydrates, particularly grains, we aren’t genetically wired to consume potatoes or yams, or carrots, or grains even though they’re rich in micronutrients and we absolutely benefit from that.
Also, there are plenty of grains that are entirely unprocessed or minimally processed at least. The problem is that without a diet rich in a variety of complex carbohydrates you are setting yourself up for trouble in the long run. An extended regimen of this type of diet (high fat and high protein) could cause an increased risk of:
- Gout
- Colon cancer
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- And certain cancers
Those who follow the Paleo Diet believe enjoying robust health and longevity will be the result. However, there is evidence that entire groups of people who live well into their nineties and beyond consume a diet completely opposite of what the Paleolithic Diet sets forth. Who these people are and what they consume will be the subject of the next article in this series on the Paleolithic Diet.
Sylvia Anderson, author, Insiders Health
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