Are mainstream nutritionists beginning to recognize the value of Paleolithic nutrition?

Steer clear. Image: KobakoYesterday the Los Angeles Times published an article by Marni Jameson that may nudge the mainstream a tiny step forward to primal nutrition. The article - A reversal on carbs: Fat was once the devil. Now more nutritionists are pointing accusingly at sugar and refined grains - begins thus:

Most people can count calories. Many have a clue about where fat lurks in their diets. However, fewer give carbohydrates much thought, or know why they should.

But a growing number of top nutritional scientists blame excessive carbohydrates — not fat — for America's ills. They say cutting carbohydrates is the key to reversing obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

"Fat is not the problem," says Dr. Walter Willett, chairman of the department of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health. "If Americans could eliminate sugary beverages, potatoes, white bread, pasta, white rice and sugary snacks, we would wipe out almost all the problems we have with weight and diabetes and other metabolic diseases."

Although a good start, the advice does not go far enough as noted by Diana Hsieh at Modern Paleo:

That's great, but why focus on white bread rather than just bread? (Too many people just can't challenge the mantra of hearthealthywholegrains, unfortunately.)

Don Matesz at Primal Wisdom has also posted commentary. For more information on the modern Paleolithic lifestyle, visit the sites listed on PALEO LINKS in the right hand column. 

Comments

[Jake]

This change would not have occurred without the internet. The internet has forced the mainstream nutrition complex to stop ignoring science in their recommendations.

Better yet people are bypassing the mainstream nutrition complex to get preventative health care advice.

[Dr. John]

An astute comment. Thanks.