Posted by Sherry C.
January 11th, 2013

t seems that there is yet another new diet claiming to be the new medical miracle to cure everything from Cancer to Alzheimer’s disease. The diet is called the “Paleo” diet and its claim to fame is that eating the diet plus exercise and an adjustment in lifestyle will result in weight loss, and other health improvements – including Alzheimer’s prevention. But does the “Paleo” diet really work to prevent Alzheimer’s?

What Is The Paleo Diet?

The Paleo diet is a healthy diet that is said to enable us to return to eating the way our ancestors did. Advocates say it is the healthiest way you can eat if you want to be healthy, lean, and have lots of energy! The diet’s therapeutic properties are based on  recent research which has shown that refined food such as sugar, and trans fats are the culprits in many degenerative diseases – such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, and even in Alzheimer’s disease.

The Paleo Diet Food Guidelines

The Paleo Diet is comprised of lean proteins which are recommended to support healthy muscles and bones and improve the immune system. Fruits and vegetables, high in antioxidants, minerals, phytonutrients and fiber are also a big part of the diet.  The Paleo Diet claims that an abundance of fresh fruit helps lower the chance of many diseases. Healthy fats are acquired from nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, fish oil and grass-fed meat. Additional benefits of the Paleo Diet come from an abundance of  monounsaturated and omega 3 fatty acids which are thought to lower instances of obesity, cancer, diabetes and  heart disease.

Foods to avoid on the Paleo Diet include: grains, processed food, sugar, legumes, starchy foods dairy and alcohol.

According to research that led to the creation of the Paleo diet, the type and amount of fat found in grain fed animal meat is significantly healthier compared to grass fed animals. Wild fed animals are said to offer much healthier nutrition with more unsaturated fat and healthy omega 3 fats.