Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

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Many arguments for paleo eating rely on an evolutionary biology, i.e. we ate a certain way for x number of years and therefore are not adapted to neolithic foods. But, as Kurt Harris has written, not all evolutionarily novel foods are automatically unhealthy (I think he gives the example of butter or maybe for the lactose intolerant we could say ghee). As a heuristic model, deeming neolithic foods unhealthy is probably the easiest route to a non-inflammatory paleo diet. My question is, though, what evolutionarily novel foods would factor into a diet of health and longevity?

flag	asked Jun 11 2011 at 0:11 mloster 933●1●7●13

FED at LiveCaveman.com · Answer 1 · 2011-06-11 00:32:50Z UTC

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I have neither seen nor experienced any evidence that would suggest that 100% whey protein (typically derived from the manufacture of yogurt or cheese) is detrimental to health. In fact, it has been found to be suitable not only for athletes, but cancer patients and individuals suffering from a wide range of chronic and infectious diseases.

http://www.megawecare.co.th/file/research/Therapeutic%20Applications%20of%20Whey%20Protein_36.pdf

answered Jun 11 2011 at 0:32

FED at LiveCaveman.com
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here here! Same I'd say for BCAAs, though not considered by many to be food. – ben61820 Jun 11 2011 at 0:59

Is there lifetime studies of that on large groups? If not why bother consuming? – RS Jun 5 at 1:40

Whey is used to lacto-ferment vegetables and to soak/sprout grains (big in WAP circles) so I would say that there is definitely a long history of whey consumption in humans that is at least as long as that of other dairy products. – FED at LiveCaveman.com Jun 5 at 3:53

Paul · Answer 2 · 2011-06-11 07:47:13Z UTC

Check out our "but is it paleo" tag for a number of fun and delicious debates about foods that fall in that special part of Dr. Harris's concentric circles: neolithic, but good for your paleolithic "metabolic milieu." The tag may ask "is it paleo" but the discussions ask "is it good."

Including:

Apple cider vinegar.

Ghee (also here).

Coffee.

Yuca.

And, if you want to push the envelope: Eggs.

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But my best direct answer to your question is: New World tubers, like potatoes, or New World animals, like .... jaguars?

hemanvt · Answer 3 · 2011-06-11 12:24:18Z UTC

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I know this could be argued but some studies have shown dark chocolate and red wine to be beneficial in small amounts. I know mark Sisson would agree with the benefits and they are definitely Neolithic!

answered Jun 11 2011 at 12:24

hemanvt
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Namby Pamby · Answer 4 · 2011-06-11 06:32:21Z UTC

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Healthy neolithic foods would be raw milk for the Swiss and Masais.
White rice for the Japanese and Southeast Asians. Traditional corn for the Pima Indians.

I'm assuming that all tubers (potatoes, yams, yuca, etc.) are Paleolithic.

answered Jun 11 2011 at 6:32

Namby Pamby
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White potatoes and sweet potatoes are Neolithic, at least insofar as they're New World plants. So is yuca/cassava/manioc. But yeah, I'm with you, paleo in the metabolic milieu sense. – Paul Jun 11 2011 at 7:04

Im thinking of getting off sweet potato due to its Neolithic status and trypsin inhibiters, its just not safe to eat raw... I mean I might as well start eating some grains if I thought potent anti-nutrients were acceptable? – PaleoMouth Jun 11 2011 at 7:07

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@PaleoMouth, when I have too much sweet potato too many days in a row it makes my tongue itch. I do much better with white potato and rice. If you go with the general theory that most plants are going to have some kind of poison in them then I think the best bet is to see which ones you react best to and then put them in a rotation. With the further qualification that tubers are better than grains, since they're there for a larger part of our history. I'm buying that, anyhow. – Paul Jun 11 2011 at 7:17

Nice comment Paul! – Eric Jun 11 2011 at 7:20

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I agree theoretically, Paul. I have to say though that i've consumed sweet potato at least once every day for over 6 months now and havent had any problems. I know there could be longterm issues but just as far as acute things, like you mentioned your itchy tongue etc, I have had none. Not recommending we eat the same plant daily just saying that it hasnt caused me any issues. – ben61820 Jun 11 2011 at 12:37

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Healthy Neolithic Foods

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