3 ms·

This rapid evolutionary change is one reason why much of the reasoning for "Paleo" diets is flawed. Humans have changed since Paleo times.

• noelwelsh 12y ago
  A better way to approach the Paleo hypothesis is as just that -- a hypothesis. I think all reasonable people agree that humans have changed somewhat since paleolithic times (and grains were possibly part of our early diet) but it still seems quite reasonable to posit that 1) our diet has changed greatly since the longest period of human evolution and 2) it may well be more healthful to return to a diet closer to the paleolithic diet. That's a reasonable hypothesis that can be tested. Of course that's not the way the popular press and fitness industry approach the Paleo diet, but one shouldn't throw out the baby with the bathwater.
  • axlprose 12y ago
    While that is true, it's also good to take into consideration the fact that the rationale/hypothesis behind a diet plan doesn't have to be right in order for the diet itself to be useful. Personally, the paleo hypothesis has always sounded rather dubious to me, but there's more than enough evidence that the ketogenic effects of paleo-like diets are useful at least: http://ketopedia.com/principia-ketogenica/ http://ketopedia.com/principia-ketogenica/
    • TillE 12y ago
      Yeah, if your "paleo" diet happens to kick you into ketosis, then you've stumbled across a beneficial thing. If you're eating lots of fruit and starchy vegetables, it's probably not doing much for you.
• eru 12y ago
  Yes. The Paleo diet might even make sense for humans, but their justifications can be pretty rubbish.