Proponents argue that substituting modern diets with traditional paleo versions will lead to better health, particularly with respect to diabetes (Type II), cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Critics, however, suggest that this is nothing but food faddism without any underlying nutritional logic. Logic or not, some of these food items are quite high in nutrient value. Check out some of the most popular paleo food groups that might help you survive today's unhealthy world.
Grass-fed lean red meat: Followers of the cavemen diet recommend the consumption of lean red meats that are either grass-fed beef or wild game meats. Free of food additives, these meat cuts contain higher levels of Omega-3-fatty acids as compared to grain-fed domestic meats. Moreover, lean cut red meats are also a good source of protein and energy and help to avoid cardiovascular disease and other diseases associated with high cholesterol levels.
Fruits rich in vitamins, potassium and fiber: Another important feature of the hunter's diet is fruits and berries that have high levels of vitamins, fiber and potassium. These foods prevent the sudden elevation of blood sugar levels due to their high glycemic index. Apart from this, they are also high in anti-oxidants which are essential for preventing the occurrence of a number of harmful ailments. Anti-oxidants protect the body from many bacterial and viral infections by strengthening the overall immune system of the body.
Go nuts: Nuts such as walnuts, another paleo food group, have high micro-nutrient densities that are crucial for proper brain function and development. Scientific evidence and research have indicated that eating around 1.5 oz of nuts per day may lower the LDL level and reduce the risk of heart disease. They are also rich in fiber, anti-oxidants and phytonutrients while being high in plant sterols and fat.
Fish and seafood: How many times in the past we have heard about increasing our dietary intake of omega-3-fatty in the form of fish and sea food? Ideally, it is advisable to include at least 0.5-1.8 gms of fish and seafood in daily diets. This way, you can prevent the occurrence of any fatal heart ailments like blood clots, heart attacks and stroke. However, as per paleo diet standards, these foods should be wild caught and not farmed.
Root vegetables: This includes the likes of carrot, potato and radish that supply essential carbohydrates, fiber and vitamins to the body. These foods are regarded as typical characteristic foods of traditional hunter-gatherers.
Leafy greens: Regarded as nutritional powerhouses, leafy greens deliver a bonanza of phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals required for improving the overall health and fitness. As perUSDA recommendations, it is essential to eat a minimum of three cups of dark green vegetables per week.
Eggs: A well-known provider of essential proteins, eggs are important for the development of brain functions. Apart from this, they also provide vital vitamins and cholesterol levels required to prevent the occurrence of many harmful diseases and ailments.
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