Evolution of the Human Diet: Linking Our Ancestral Diet to Modern Functional Foods as a Means of Chronic Disease Prevention

Abstract

The evolution of the human diet over the past 10,000 years from a Paleolithic diet to our current modern pattern of intake has resulted in profound changes in feeding behavior. Shifts have occurred from diets high in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and seafood to processed foods high in sodium and hydrogenated fats and low in fiber. These dietary changes have adversely affected dietary parameters known to be related to health, resulting in an increase in obesity and chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, and cancer. Some intervention trials using Paleolithic dietary patterns have shown promising results with favorable changes in CVD and diabetes risk factors. However, such benefits may be offset by disadvantages of the Paleolithic diet, which is low in vitamin D and calcium and high in fish potentially containing environmental toxins. More advantageous would be promotion of foods and food ingredients from our ancestral era that have been shown to possess health benefits in the form of functional foods. Many studies have investigated the health benefits of various functional food ingredients, including omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, fiber, and plant sterols. These bioactive compounds may help to prevent and reduce incidence of chronic diseases, which in turn could lead to health cost savings ranging from $2 to $3 billion per year as estimated by case studies using omega-3 and plant sterols as examples. Thus, public health benefits should result from promotion of the positive components of Paleolithic diets as functional foods.

Plant Pectin: A Potential Source for Cancer Suppression

“…Interestingly, we also generate toxins within our own body due to the improper metabolism of our diet. Toxin accumulation in the body can occur by exposure to a toxic environment or by consuming an improper diet (Jew et al, 2009). This can cause pain, irritation and inflammation in the body.…”

Chiropractic Management of a Patient With Chronic Fatigue: A Case Report

“…33 To have physiologic effects on the HPA axis, including the brain and the adrenal glands, and also to treat a patient with inflammation, as described in this case study, therapeutic dosages of 3 g ascorbate have been used with limited side effects. 34,35 In addition to the normalization of HPA measures, recommending an anti-inflammatory ancestral diet 36,37 likely assisted in decreasing thyroid autoimmunity. 38 Normalization of HPA axis function was also assisted by specific targeted supplementation based on adrenal function panel results, each with its own mechanism.…”

Protective Effect of Food Products Enriched with Unsaponifiable Matter from Palm Fatty Acid Distillate on the Aorta of Hypercholesterolemic Rats

“…Increasing number of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer, leads to increase promotion of enriched foods that have a health benefit in form of functional foods (Jew et al, 2009). Fortification of phytosterols have been done in some food products such as bread, cereals, and margarine which were decreased LDL cholesterol in human subject with hypercholesterolemia (Nestel et al, 2001).…”