Traditional nutritionists often argue that Paleo-inspired dietary plans can be detrimental to a person’s health, largely because they exclude entire food groups like whole grains and legumes. However, critics of the Paleo diet may not fully understand its fundamental principles or the research demonstrating its health benefits, especially when compared to governmental dietary guidelines.
The Role of Nutrient Density in Health
Nutrition experts agree that nutrient density — that is, the amount of vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content per calorie consumed — is crucial for maintaining good health. Many nutritionists advocate adhering to governmental dietary guidelines, as they believe these provide the maximum nutrient density. However, despite these guidelines, large randomized clinical trials have not verified their effectiveness.
Though some epidemiological studies have shown that eating more vegetables and whole grains while reducing sugar and white flour intake, as recommended by the Mediterranean diet, is associated with lower risk of developing heart disease, the cost of large-scale clinical trials limits the data that is available.
The Studies Comparing Paleo Diets to Other Diets
Before denouncing Paleo diets as dangerous, it’s important to consider the relevant scientific evidence. Several studies examining the health effects of Paleo-style diets provide encouraging results:
- In a randomized cross-over study by Jonsson, a Paleo diet has been shown to offer better blood sugar control, lower hemoglobin A1c, better lipids, and lower blood pressure than the diet recommended by the American Diabetes Association.
- Boers’ study assessed the effect of a Paleo diet on obese people with metabolic syndrome. Participants were assigned randomly to follow either the governmental dietary plan or a Paleo diet for two weeks and had their blood biomarkers evaluated. The Paleo group saw larger improvements in their lipids and blood pressure than the control group.
- Another study by Jonsson demonstrated that the Paleo diet was more satiating per calorie than the Mediterranean diet.
A Structured Paleo Diet for Improved Cognitive Health
The Wahls Protocol is a structured Paleo diet that focuses on maximizing the 36 vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fats that scientific research identifies as necessary for optimal brain function. This dietary plan offers 2 to 5 times the nutrient content seen in the standard American diet, thus providing brain cells with the essential nutrients they need.
The Wahls Protocol has been tested on progressive multiple sclerosis patients, and findings show that participants using the diet saw their pain levels decrease, mood improve, weight reduce without hunger, and both blood sugar and blood pressure return to normal levels. They were also able to reduce and ultimately stop taking immune-suppressing medications.
Rather than dismissing the Paleo diet as dangerous, it’s crucial to examine the available research and understand its basic principles. The results of several studies indicate that Paleo-inspired diets can offer significant health benefits, particularly for brain health. While these studies offer encouraging results, it’s essential to speak with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet.
