Modifications
Various paleo diets differ in their specifics. Cor-
dain’s diet recommends canola oil but not coconut or
palm oils which are high in saturated fats. For weight
loss, nuts and seeds should be limited to 4 oz (110 g) per
day. Cordain allows diet soda, coffee, tea, beer, wine,
and other alcohol in moderation. He advises easing
into the diet in three phases and allows ‘open meals‘
with loosened rules, starting out with three open meals
per week. Cordain and others believe that paleo diets
are beneficial even if the rules are only partially fol-
lowed. Some paleo diets merely restrict the amount
dairy products and grains. At the very least cereal
grains should be restricted to two–three servings daily.
Function
Although neanderthin andother paleo diets are used
for weight loss, they are primarily designed to promote
good health by providing the foods for which the human
body is best adapted. Cordain argues that proteins in
agriculturalfoodssuchascerealgrainsareforeigntothe
human immune system, since humans did not eat grains
during their evolution as a species. Therefore these foods
can disrupt the immune system and cause autoimmune
diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
In today’s world most people do not have access
to game meat and the world’s food supply is com-
pletely dependent on cereal grains. Thus neanderthin
and other paleo diets are only appropriate for those
who can afford to eliminate grains from their diets and
are willing to eat large quantities of meat.
Benefits
Proponents of neanderthin and other paleo diets
claim that they:
cause weight loss
reduce hypertension (high blood pressure)
lower ‘bad’ cholesterol
reduce food sensitivities by eliminating sugar, dairy,
grains, and legumes
reduce the risks for high blood pressure, heart dis-
ease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer
alleviate symptoms of diabetes and arthritis.
Many people on low-calorie high-carbohydrate
diets suffer from hunger pangs and regain any weight
lost on the diet. In contrast people usually feel satiated on
high-protein diets. Cordain claims that protein also
speeds up themetabolism, thereby accelerating weight
loss.
The allowablecarbohydratesin the neanderthin diet
have low GIs that help stabilize blood sugar and insulin
levels. The over-consumption of carbohydrates has been
linked to numerous health problems including:
insulin resistance
hormone imbalances
heart disease
obesity
diabetes
hypertension
gastrointestinal disorders
dental caries
cancer.
Neanderthin eliminates legumes which can be:
poisonous if eaten raw
high in lectins, which bind carbohydrates, can be
inflammatory and toxic, and have been linked to
autoimmune diseases
high in phytate (phytic acid) that can inhibit the
absorption of minerals such as zinc, calcium, magne-
sium, and iron in the digestive tract
high in protease inhibitors, which can interfere with
the breakdown of proteins into amino acids.PrecautionsPrecautions concerning neanderthin and other
paleo diets include:
They are probably more expensive than eating grains
such as bread and pasta.
Some obese people, particularly women, may fail to
lose weight.
People with low blood pressure may not be able to
limit their salt intake.
Chronic diabetics will probably not experience a
reversal in symptoms.
These diets must be adjusted for use by children and
pregnant women.RisksRisks associated with neanderthin and other
paleo diets include:
possible adverse effects from the high amounts of
meat and fat
possible adverse effects on the kidneys from the high
protein
possible difficulty in consuming adequate amounts
of carbohydrates.Neanderthin