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Theory of how the Paleodiet is effective in increasing health: Fatty Acid Metabolism The Paleodiet stresses increasing the intake of unsaturated fats. Saturated and trans-saturated fats have been shown to be more harmful to the cardiovascular system than unsaturated fats. In fact, there seems to be some evidence that there is some protective benefits in certain specific types of fats. This is why the ω-3 fatty acids are so important. They are favored over the ω-6 type. While the ω-3 are often less common and harder to find, it maybe be worth the effort. Striving for an intake ratio of 1:1 to 1:3 of ω-3 to ω-6 is much healthier than the currently common 1:10 or 1:15 proportions. The Paleodiet theory holds that our genes hold the keys to these facts. The thought is that over tens of thousands of years our bodies and biochemical pathways adapted (or were originally developed for*) this type of a diet. Recently we have gotten away from this original balance and the unwanted results are heart and other vascular diseases. Avoid all fat is not the idea. Eating a healthier type of fat is the goal. Supporters of the Paleodiet feel that by achieving a diet close to that of our ancestors we can reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Specifically, high levels of saturated fat have been show to play a large part in the development of atherosclerosis, plaque formation, coronary artery disease and heart attacks. In theory, avoiding certain types of fat and eating a healthier balance of unsaturated fats would help decrease these cardiovascular disease. Finally, many types of cardiovascular diseases (particularly high blood pressure) are worsened or caused outright by too much sodium intake. By eating a Paleodiet, advocates feel that the sodium intake can be significantly lowered and certain conditions can be improved or eliminated. Thus, the cardiovascular benefits are felt to be mutli-factorial. Click Here for a Detailed List of Paleodiet foods Go on to read about Disagreements Return to details of the Paleodiet
*Depending on what you think of evolutionary theory. |
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Og the Neanderthal by Richard Wilson
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