Paleovedic way
We have all heard of the Paleo diet by now, and more and more research suggests that this eating pattern is linked with reduced inflammation, lower LDL cholesterol, reduced risk of diabetes and stabilised blood sugar levels.
A really good study showing the beneficial effects of a Paleo diet is a 2 year study where 70 obese postmenopausal women were placed on a a Paleo-style diet (consisting of lean meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, berries and other fruit, avocado, nuts, and oils), or a prudent control diet. When compared to the prudent control diet group, the Paleo group saw a significantly higher decrease in android fat and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein by the end of the study (1).
It would seem that following a Paleo style diet can also reduce the risk of autoimmune disease, according to Dr Sarah Ballantyne PhD, which is important, as autoimmune disease is becoming a common problem in modern Western populations. Essentially, the paleo diet eliminates processed foods that promotes inflammation such as sugar and grains. It has been suggested that the paleo approach may be too restrictive due to a lack carbohydrates available. However, carbohydrates are derived from the many vegetables and fruits that are encouraged in the paleo way of eating.
It is possible that you haven’t heard of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of medicine and focuses on individual differences in the 3 "doshas," or mind-body types. The dosha will guide what we need nutritionally and is compatible with the Paleo diet as it encourages the avoidance of processed foods. When we combine Ayurveda with a Paleo principle to our food we have something personalised, anti-inflammatory and healthy.
Similar to Paleo there is much evidence to suggest that Ayurvedic nutrition is beneficial to health and some studies show that the three doshas are associated with differences in specific genes, supporting the idea that altering your diet in a way that makes those genes more active or inactive can be health-promoting.
For some people a paleo diet may not provide enough carbohydrates, or may encourage the consumption of foods not right for an individual mind-body type. This is where a combination of paleo and Ayurveda may be the key. Traditionally, the paleo diet involves eliminating all grains, all legumes, and dairy products, whereas Ayurveda often recommends these foods and considers them highly nutritious.
Dr Akil Palanisamy, the author of "The Paleovedic Diet: A Complete Program to Burn Fat, Increase Energy, and Reverse Disease" states that we generally have a phobia regarding carbohydrate but there is no need for this as there is nothing intrinsically harmful about carbohydrates. The most important thing is the type and quality of the carbohydrate.
Removing refined carbohydrate from your diet, and being wary of gluten is important, as these are both pro-inflammatory. However, carbohydrates found in root vegetables are recommended, as root vegetables are packed with vitamin C and other essential vitamins and minerals, making them a great addition to a healthy diet. Some other health benefits specific to different root vegetables are that carrots may help reduce cancer risk. Beets may help reduce blood pressure and there is some evidence that they help us utilise oxygen more effectively. Sweet potatoes, turnips, and carrots are packed with beta-carotene and vitamin C, which may help prevent stroke, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Importantly root vegetables are a great source of fibre.
Combining Ayurvedic principles with a paleo approach to food may be a good road to take. Ayurveda has a few things in common with the Paleo diet as it recommends avoiding processed foods, highly processed dairy and refined sugar, flour and salt. It also addresses individual differences for the mind/body type.
However it does differ in some ways. For example; meat should be used as a condiment rather than a predominant part of the meal, which does differ from a paleo 'meat heavy' approach. The ancient Ayurveydic sages took a holistic approach health from their direct experience of higher states of consciousness, and they taught that meat, being a ‘dead food’, has a ‘dulling’ effect on the human mind and nervous system. However there are many beneficial health effects from consuming meat regularly and if the meat is grass-fed beef or naturally produced, rather than the grain fed, or processed meats that most people eat, then it can play a role in a healthy diet.
I highly recommend that you investigate Dr. Akil Palanisamy's work, and read 'The Paleovedic Diet: A Complete Program to Burn Fat, Increase Energy, and Reverse Disease'. I will be writing more on this topic in the future and keeping you up to date on the latest research. In the mean time it would be worth while to complete a quiz to work out your Dosha. You can do that here Yoga International