The Paleolithic Diet - Top 10 Healthiest Caveman Foods

by Aviva Natural Health Solutions October 02, 2009

Amy Tompkins

The paleolithic diet or caveman diet has been gaining popularity in recent years thanks to positive findings by various scientific studies and the promotion by the athletic community. If you’re wondering how to start implementing more caveman foods in your diet, here is a list of ten of the healthiest foods that make up a paleolithic diet:

Salmon

Fresh, wild salmon is truly the king of fish when it comes to health. Salmon packs a great source of protein coupled with omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon is also a good source of vitamins B6 and B12. Choose wild salmon whenever possible, and bake or broil it rather than fry it for the best benefits.

Blueberries

Blueberries are a tasty and compact powerhouse of vitamins. They have been studied for their antioxidant power and have been shown to neutralize the cell damage that can lead to heart disease and cancer. If purchasing fresh, look for berries that are uniform in color and firm. Blueberries can also be bought frozen, then thawed quickly under cool running water and added to salads or smoothies.

Kale

It would not be a complete list of healthy foods if we didn’t include at least one leafy green, and kale comes out as nutritional winner. Kale is a proven cancer fighter and detoxifying food. Kale provides a good source of Vitamin A and beta carotene; both essential for eye health and to prevent degenerative macular conditions like glaucoma. You can also skip the orange juice if you’ve had some kale today; just one cup of kale contains 88% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C. Kale can be somewhat of a bitter green, so look for a head of kale with smaller leaves, and try to consume it soon after purchasing for the best flavour.

Apples

Apples make the list not only because they are healthy, but also because they are so transportable and high in fiber. The sweetness of an apple is due to fructose, a slow-digesting sugar that won’t spike your blood sugar. The fiber content of the apple also helps to regulate blood sugar and can provide a longer-lasting full feeling that other fruits. Apples are one of the foods we strongly recommend you purchase organic, and be sure to eat the peel.

Grass Fed Beef

Not all beef is equal, so only grass-fed beef makes our list of the ten healthiest paleolithic foods. The beef produced from grass-fed cattle is a flavourful, low-fat meat; comparable to the wild meats in a classic cave man diet. Grass-fed beef is higher in omega-3 essential fatty acids and beta carotene than it’s corn-fattened counterpart. Because grass-fed beef is lower in fat, it should be cooked on a lower temperature for a longer period of time than traditional beef to ensure it stays moist and tender.

Almonds

Almonds are high in monounsaturated fats, and have been shown in studies to help decrease cholesterol levels and aid in preventing heart disease. As well, almonds eaten with a meal decrease the after-meal rise in blood sugar. Almonds last longest when purchased in the shell, and should smell sweet and nutty.

Beets

The rich red colouring in beets also gives them cancer-fighting properties. As with most of the foods on our list, beets have also been shown to lower cholesterol and protect against heart disease. Beets will store for almost a month in the refrigerator. Cook beets slowly on low heat to bring out their natural sugars, but don’t overcook as it can diminish the antioxidant effects of this super food.

Avocado

Avocados are a good source of potassium and folate, and have even been shown in studies to contribute to lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol. Adding some avocado to a salad will not only improve the texture and flavor; it can also help you absorb more of the fat-soluble vitamins from the other salad ingredients.

Garlic

Garlic is good for your heart; it’s been studied as a preventative for heart attacks and stroke as well as it’s ability to reduce blood pressure. Garlic’s many positive cardiovascular effects are due to not only to the sulfur compounds it contains, but also to its concentration of vitamin C, B6, selenium, and manganese. Choose fresh garlic over powders or even garlic sold pre-chopped in jars. Garlic adds a great flavour boost to any meat or vegetable dish.

Carrots

Carrots are affordable, transportable, versatile, and pack lots of vitamins and nutrients. Carrots are one of the richest natural sources of carotenoids, like Vitamin A, that have been linked to the prevention and fighting of several common types of cancer. When buying carrots, look for firmness, deep colour, and smooth skin. Carrots can be enjoyed raw or cooked. They are easy to shred and add to any sauce or salad.