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Current nutritional research links diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart dis- eases, autoimmune disorders, and even some cancers with eating too many processed foods, sugars, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates—the unfor- tunate staples of the modern American diet.
Avoiding the disease-causing foods and eating the Paleo diet has many benefits:
• Clearer skin and healthier hair, nails, and teeth
• Fat loss and improved muscle tone
• Improved digestion and reduced allergies and food sensitivities
• Increased energy
• More efficient workouts
• Reduced inflammation throughout the body
• Reduced risk of long-term diseases, such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes
• Stabilized blood sugar
Anti-inflammation. Repeated studies have shown that refined and processed foods, grains, and dairy can increase inflammation in the body that may cause the immune system to mistake healthy cells for disease-causing pathogens and attack them. Some believe there is a strong link between chronic bodily inflammation and many forms of cancers and autoimmune diseases. The Paleo way of eating focuses on avoiding foods that may cause inflammation and instead eating antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits that promote healthy cell production, swallow up cancer-causing free radicals, and boost our bod- ies’ illness-fighting capabilities. Fruits and vegetables are also slightly alkaline, which means they help reduce acidity in the body, another known culprit for certain diseases and energy deprivation.
Heart health. Paleo encourages the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, which are shown to lower bad cholesterol levels and boost the good, improve blood chemistry, and boost brain health. Some studies suggest that we ingest too many omega-6 fats, commonly found in processed foods and refined oils, and that this may contribute to chronic inflammation, impeding the absorp- tion of heart-healthy nutrients. Even some olive oils, which are thought to be healthful, are overly processed and stripped of their nutritional properties. If we raise the level of omega-3 fatty acids in our bodies by eating more foods rich in omega-3s and limiting omega-6 fats, we can improve the health of our hearts and minds.