By Jheelum Basu
January 17, 2026
The concept of the Paleo diet (coming from the Paleolithic age) is based on the ancient hunter-gatherer diet that focuses on whole, unprocessed food. It stemmed from the idea that these pure foods benefit health.
The term ‘paleo’ comes from the Greek word ‘palaiós’, which means ancient. Proponents of the dietary hypothesis argue that the human body is genetically best suited to these unprocessed foods, which were eaten by our ancestors.
The Paleo diet includes fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, nuts, seeds, and eggs, along with healthy oils like olive or avocado oil.
Naturally rich sources of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
Whole, nutritious, unprocessed, natural items that are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and natural sugar.
A nutrient-dense item rich in protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Great example of unprocessed, whole, natural foods rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Paleo Diet excludes grains, legumes (beans, lentils, and peanuts), dairy products, refined sugar, processed foods, and processed oils.
These products of the post-agricultural revolution contain anti-nutrients such as lectins and phytates, which are believed to reduce mineral and protein absorption.
A highly processed food that often leads to blood sugar spikes, inflammation, and chronic diseases.
Absent in the history of ancestral food eaten by the hunter-gatherers. Dairy products came from domestication and farming, which happened much later in human history.
Does not align with the concept of consuming whole, unprocessed foods that were available in the Paleolithic era.