Paleo diet is one of the most talked about diets today, thanks to its ancestral rules and dishes.
The diet is based on the discordance hypothesis that argues that it's the departure from the nutrition and physical activity patterns of our hunter-gatherer ancestors that has contributed to the endemic chronic diseases of modern civilization, says nutritionist Glen Matten.
Paleo's mantra is to 'keep it clean', stay away from any refined or processed foods.
So what exactly is the Paleo diet? HuffPost UK Lifestyle editor Poorna Bell enlisted a range of experts to explain.
Definition: This diet works on the principles of 'what cavemen ate' on the basis that our digestive systems have not evolved in the last 10,000 years. To complement our bodies, this means no grains, legumes, and meat needs to be grass-fed beef, fish and chicken.
Fitness author Sam Feltham loves this diet, saying: "It's the one I most prescribe to as firstly, it bases its theory on evolution, and secondly on what biochemical reactions we have from eating different foods.
"In clinical studies the Paleo diet has been shown to out perform the Mediterraneann diet and a commonly prescribed diet for type 2 diabetics metabolically and aesthetically in better weight loss."
See Also:
The Paleo Diet: Discovery Of Caveman 'Junk Food' That Rotted Their Teeth Casts Doubt On Healthy Diet
Paleo Diet For Men: Can You Exercise And Go Caveman At The Same Time?
Francesca Fox, diet and fitness expert from Francesca's Fit Kitchen says: "In principle I love the unprocessed, natural, whole food endorsement. However some zealots preach without thinking - strawberries /broccoli (and protein powder!) for example were not around 2,000 years ago! A great concept in theory."
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Facts About The Paleo Diet
Dietitian Priya Tew is not a fan. "The Paleo diet cuts out food groups without evidence to suggest why. Cutting out a wide range of foods such as grains can lead to the diet being nutritionally depleted which could have a knock on effect on health."
HuffPost UK blogger and dietitian Chloe Phillips is also not convinced about the exclusion of food groups. "I agree with elements of this diet but when the Paleo diet is followed religiously it can too easily lead to nutritional deficiencies in particular Calcium and Vitamin D. Yes, processed foods can typically be higher in salt, sugar and fat, but not always, and can actually play a role in a healthy diet when the right choices are included in moderation."
Have a look at some delicious Paleo recipes:
