What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Cardiovascular Diabetology: Beneficial Effects of a Paleolithic Diet on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetes: a Randomized Cross-over Pilot Study
- Cardiovascular Diabetology: Beneficial Effects of a Paleolithic Diet on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetes: a Randomized Cross-over Pilot Study
- EatRight.org: Should We Eat Like Our Caveman Ancestors?
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
The Hunter and Gatherers' Diet
Early hunter-gatherers who gathered wild plants during the old stone age had an average life expectancy much shorter than today's. While the industrial and agricultural revolution brought beneficial change, proponents of the hunter-gatherer diet argue that your body is optimized to consume a diet similar to your ancestors from the Paleolithic era.
Benefits of Paleo Eating
Loren Cordain, author of "The Paleo Diet," is one of the primary proponents of eating a hunter-gatherer style diet 23. Cordain proposes the modern diet is too high in carbohydrates and includes foods that your hunter-gatherer ancestors didn't eat 3. Cordain estimates that hunter-gatherer populations received most of their energy from animal foods, and had a low carb intake, since wild plants are naturally low in carbs. The take-home message is that if you adopt a diet mimicking your hunter-gatherer ancestors, you may reduce your risk of so-called "diseases of civilization."
High Protein, Low Carbs and High Fiber
The Ancestral Diet
Learn More
Hunter-gatherer diets such as the Paleo diet emphasize whole and organic food, high protein and low-carbohydrate intake, as well as a higher fiber intake 23. Cordain recommends that you should get 19 to 35 percent of your calories from lean protein and limit your carbohydrates to 35 to 45 percent of your total calories. Cordain also recommends a moderate to high intake of fat, particularly unsaturated fats. Hunter-gatherer diets exclude certain foods, such as:
- grains
- legumes
- refined vegetable oils
- dairy
- all of which were unavailable before agricultural establishment
- Hunter-gatherer diets such as the Paleo diet emphasize whole and organic food, high protein and low-carbohydrate intake, as well as a higher fiber intake 2.
Benefits for Type 2 Diabetics
Researchers in Sweden conducted a pilot study to compare the effects of a hunter-gatherer diet and a diabetes diet in patients with type 2 diabetes 1. Compared to the usual diabetic diet, the hunter-gatherer diet resulted in a greater improvement in cardiovascular risk factors and glycemic control. The results were published in the July 2009 issue of the journal "Cardiovascular Diabetology."
- Researchers in Sweden conducted a pilot study to compare the effects of a hunter-gatherer diet and a diabetes diet in patients with type 2 diabetes 1.
- Compared to the usual diabetic diet, the hunter-gatherer diet resulted in a greater improvement in cardiovascular risk factors and glycemic control.
Whether It's Right for You
Diet for Clogged Pores
Learn More
Whether adopting a hunter-gatherer diet is right for you is a personal decision. This suggests that balance is the primary component of a healthy diet. Hunter-gatherer diets exclude grains and legumes, which are two food groups that provide nutritional benefits. A hunter-gather diet does encourage eating more fruits and vegetables and cutting out processed foods, which is beneficial.
- Whether adopting a hunter-gatherer diet is right for you is a personal decision.
- Hunter-gatherer diets exclude grains and legumes, which are two food groups that provide nutritional benefits.
Related Articles
References
- Cardiovascular Diabetology: Beneficial Effects of a Paleolithic Diet on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetes: a Randomized Cross-over Pilot Study
- The Paleo Diet: Premise
- The Paleo Diet: What to Eat
- de Menezes EVA, Sampaio HAC, Carioca AAF, et al. Influence of Paleolithic diet on anthropometric markers in chronic diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr J. 2019;18(1):41. Published 2019 Jul 23. doi:10.1186/s12937-019-0457-z
- Manheimer EW, van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Pijl H. Paleolithic nutrition for metabolic syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;102(4):922–932. doi:10.3945/ajcn.115.113613
- Fenton TR, Fenton CJ. Paleo diet still lacks evidence. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016;104(3):844. doi:10.3945/ajcn.116.139006
- Hollox E. Evolutionary genetics: genetics of lactase persistence--fresh lessons in the history of milk drinking. Eur J Hum Genet. 2005;13(3):267-9. doi:10.1038/sj.ejhg.5201297
- Dinu M, Pagliai G, Casini A, Sofi F. Mediterranean diet and multiple health outcomes: an umbrella review of meta-analyses of observational studies and randomised trials. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2018;72(1):30-43. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2017.58
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2015 – 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 8th Edition. December 2015.
- Google Trends. “Paleo”. 2004-2019.
- Voegtlin, W. The Stone Age Diet : Based on In-Depth Studies of Human Ecology and the Diet of Man. Vantage Press, Incorporated. 1975
Writer Bio
Janet Renee is a clinical dietitian with a special interest in weight management, sports dietetics, medical nutrition therapy and diet trends. She earned her Master of Science in nutrition from the University of Chicago and has contributed to health and wellness magazines, including Prevention, Self, Shape and Cooking Light.