Paleo Diet: The Conclusions

As we close our discussion on the topic, and based on the peer-reviewed research that we have investigated, we would like to draw several key conclusions:

1. To date, there are no known harmful effects associated with implementation of Paleo but more long-term studies are necessary
2. The beneficial effects of Paleo have been shown in both animal studies and human subjects, but many of the human studies lack appropriate control groups and have small sample sizes
3. The appropriate balance between the various meats consumed should be carefully considered (i.e. a diet too high in red meat may result in increased cholesterol or may even be harmful to specific populations)
4. While this is not related just to Paleo and should in fact be a lifestyle habit, it is worth noting the importance of visiting your physician on an annual basis to receive a full physical exam, including a complete metabolic panel. This is to monitor not only your cholesterol/triglyceride levels, but also to ensure that the absence of dairy in your diet has not altered some of the key vitamins/nutrients that are predominantly found in dairy products (i.e. Calcium, Vitamin D, etc.)
5. Paleo is not just the diet for “elite athletes” and “CrossFitters”! It is an incredibly ancient diet that dates back to the Paleolithic times and is still applicable to the present era