You’ve heard of the Paleo diet and know that it’s the diet of our caveman ancestors, right? True, when you stick to the Paleo diet, you cut out most carbohydrates and mostly eat protein, fruit, and vegetables as well as nuts and seeds. No doubt, countless people swear by it, but is the Paleo diet effective for diabetics?
Expert opinion seems divided, but let’s look at the most important aspects of this topic.
What is the Paleo Diet?
Think of your average caveman. At that time, people didn’t cultivate grains; hence their diet relied little on carbohydrates like today’s diets do. When the Paleo diet first came on stream, the idea was that fruit, vegetables, protein, and healthy oils formed the basis of a much healthier diet.
Carbs may indeed cause numerous health issues for some people, so the Paleo diet suits them very well.
Is the Paleo Diet Effective for Diabetics?
Some experts believe that the Paleo diet can have several benefits for diabetics, including improved heart health, increased insulin sensitivity, and possible weight reduction.
Because people on the Paleo diet consume far fewer carbohydrates, weight loss is often a result. In addition, eating more fruit and vegetables along with healthy fats that you find in nuts and seeds, may also benefit you greatly.
But the question of whether or not the Paleo diet is effective for diabetics is still the subject of debate. While some experts do indeed recommend it, others feel that it neither improves nor worsens the health of people with diabetes.
As each person with diabetes has a different metabolism, it is impossible to say whether or not the Paleo diet is effective for them in general.
Consult Your Medical Team
If you are considering giving the Paleo diet a try, speak to your physician or dietician first. They will be able to advise you and make sure it’s the right option for you.
