From: gts (gts_2000@yahoo.com)
Date: Tue Apr 15 2003 - 16:30:14 MDT
This is an abstract of an article SB Eaton. Dr Eaton is responsible for
having generated the current interest in paleolithic diets, having been the
first to study them and report their health benefits in 1985 in the New
England Journal of Medicine (unfortunately that abstract does seem to be
available in the Medline database). Since 1985 other researchers have
collaborated with Eaton and further developed his ideas (e.g., Dr. Loren
Cordain of Colorado State, quoted by me a couple of days ago in the diet and
exercise thread). -gts
ABSTRACT
Eur J Nutr 2000 Apr;39(2):67-70 (ISSN: 1436-6207)
Eaton SB; Eaton SB
Dept Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30327, USA.
sboydeaton@aol.com.
The nutritional patterns of Paleolithic humans influenced genetic evolution
during the time segment within which defining characteristics of
contemporary humans were selected. Our genome can have changed little since
the beginnings of agriculture, so, genetically, humans remain Stone
Agers--adapted for a Paleolithic dietary regimen. Such diets were based
chiefly on wild game, fish and uncultivated plant foods. They provided
abundant protein; a fat profile much different from that of affluent Western
nations; high fibre; carbohydrate from fruits and vegetables (and some
honey) but not from cereals, refined sugars and dairy products; high levels
of micronutrients and probably of phytochemicals as well. Differences
between contemporary and ancestral diets have many pathophysiological
implications. This review addresses phytochemicals and cancer; calcium,
physical exertion, bone mineral density and bone structural geometry;
dietary protein, potassium, renal acid secretion and urinary calcium loss;
and finally sarcopenia, adiposity, insulin receptors and insulin resistance.
While not, yet, a basis for formal recommendations, awareness of Paleolithic
nutritional patterns should generate novel, testable hypotheses grounded in
evolutionary theory and it should dispel complacency regarding currently
accepted nutritional tenets.
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