Primum non nocere … Primum non
nocere … Primum non nocere. First,
do no harm. Research shows that
diets such as paleo may result in
more weight loss and improvements
in blood lipid and glucose levels
when compared at 6 months than
conventional diets. However, when
compared at 12 and 24 months, these
differences disappear. We know from
research that a consistent reduction
in total energy intake, rather than
changing carbohydrate (CHO), protein
and fat contributions to total energy
intake, is key to successful weight loss
and associated benefits.
The paleo diet as promoted in the
press negates core nutrition principles
such as –
• including all food groups into the
diet and eating a wide variety
• our carbohydrate requirements
in the form of fruits, vegetables,
unrefined cereals and legumes in
the diet to provide sufficient intake
of fibre, vitamins and antioxidants
AND more importantly, the
minimum recommended intake
of 130 g/day which is important,
because the brain and the nervous
system are particularly reliant on
a steady blood supply of glucose
from carbohydrates in the diet –
even more so in a growing child!
• the importance of selecting no-fat/
low-fat options of animal protein
foods to reduce total and especially
saturated fat intake
• the importance of reducing
saturated and trans-fat intake, and
replacing it with mono-unsaturated
and polyunsaturated fats, for heart
disease prevention.
Although high-fat and protein and lowcarbohydrate diets such as paleo
may have short-term benefits, no
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research has yet been published
that sheds light on possible longterm (post 2 years) benefits or
dangers. At this stage these diets
can thus not be promoted for longterm successful weight loss and
health.
Of course there may be possible
increased risks and cons to consider.
These are:
• Obesity (if high-fat intake persists
without reducing total energy
intake) – In Finland they have
tried both approaches – paleo
and Mediterranean – and in both
instanc