What is the basis for the premise of the Paleo diet?

The Paleo diet is founded on the premise that modern humans should eat in a way that is more aligned with the dietary habits of our hunter-gatherer ancestors from the Paleolithic era. This perspective is rooted in the belief that our bodily and metabolic structures have not significantly evolved since that time. Consequently, advocates of the Paleo diet argue that many modern foods, particularly processed foods, grains, and dairy, are not well-suited for our digestive systems, which have adapted to the nutrient profiles found in the diets of our ancient ancestors.

This approach emphasizes consuming whole, unprocessed foods such as lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which are akin to what prehistoric humans would have consumed. The underlying idea is that such a diet may contribute to better overall health and wellness, as it is closer to what our bodies have evolved to digest and utilize optimally. Such an understanding underscores the significance of evolutionary biology in shaping dietary practices.