Melbourne: Paleo diet, which is a weight-loss regime embraced by Hollywood royalty, was originally designed to help combat the chronic diseases faced by the modern world, according to its founder.
Although slammed by some nutritionists, celebrities like Miranda Kerr, actress Megan Fox and cricketer Andrew Flintoff are all followers of the diet, which advocates ditching sugar, processed foods, grains and dairy, News.com.au reported.
It has become so popular it was the most Googled diet of 2013.
Colorado State University researcher Dr Loren Cordain, author of The Paleo Diet, has revealed that it was never his intention to write a book about a new diet craze.
He said that most of the book is directed at chronic disease in the Western world, and it is a lifelong way of eating to reduce the risk of chronic disease.
A two-year trial in post menopausal women in Denmark found the Paleo diet produced more weight loss at six months than another diet but the advantage faded after two years.
However, the study found after two years those women on the Paleo diet had a significantly greater reduction in levels of the triglycerides linked to heart disease than women on the diet recommended by Nordic nutritionists.
According to the Paleo diet, you are suppose to eat grass-produced meat, fish/seafood, fresh fruits and veggies, eggs, nuts and seeds, and healthful oils (Olive, walnut, flaxseed, macadamia, avocado, coconut).
People are advised to refrain from cereal grains, legumes (including peanuts), dairy, refined sugar, potatoes, processed foods, salt and refined vegetable oils.
