Patrick Oconnell
The paleo diet, also known as the caveman diet, is based on the types of foods presumed to have been eaten by early humans. It typically includes unprocessed, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood. However, dairy products are a controversial topic within the paleo community. While some strict paleo dieters avoid all dairy due to its absence in the hunter-gatherer diet, others argue that certain dairy products, such as grass-fed butter, ghee, and fermented dairy like yogurt and cheese, are acceptable. So, where does blue cheese stand in the paleo diet?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Diet | Paleolithic diet, or "Caveman diet" |
| Food Types | Unprocessed, whole foods, fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood |
| Excluded Food Types | Refined sugar, wheat products, dairy products, legumes (beans), grains |
| Allowed Dairy Products | Butter, ghee, grass-fed yogurt, kefir, goat's milk |
| Allowed Cheese Types | Feta, goat cheese |
| Blue Cheese Allowed? | No |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese is not allowed on a strict paleo diet
Dairy products are not considered paleo because hunter-gatherers did not milk cows. This includes milk, butter, yogurt, sour cream, and cheese. However, some people on the paleo diet do choose to include dairy, especially if it is grass-fed, as this type of milk has a higher content of omega-3s. Fermented dairy products with little to no lactose, such as kefir, are also consumed by some paleo dieters.
While blue cheese is not strictly allowed on the paleo diet, some people may choose to include it in moderation, especially if it is a type of cheese that does not upset the gut, such as certain cow's milk cheeses. Additionally, some people on the paleo diet may opt for clarified butter, also known as ghee, which is composed of mostly fat and is similar to other healthy saturated fats.
It is important to note that the paleo diet has been controversial among nutrition experts, as it cuts out healthful foods that are good sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as grains, dairy, and legumes. Ultimately, the decision to include blue cheese or other dairy products on a paleo diet may depend on individual preferences and tolerance for dairy.
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Dairy is not paleo, but some people on the paleo diet say it's OK
Dairy is not considered paleo because hunter-gatherers did not milk cows. This includes milk, butter, yogurt, sour cream, and cheese. However, some people on the paleo diet do consume dairy, arguing that it is okay in moderation, especially if it is grass-fed. Grass-fed dairy products have higher omega-3 content compared to grain-fed products. Additionally, fermented dairy products like kefir are tolerated by some paleo eaters because they have lower lactose and casein content, which are the main concerns people on the paleo diet have with dairy.
Some people on the paleo diet also consume butter and ghee, as they are composed of mostly fat with little to no lactose. Ghee, or clarified butter, is made by slowly melting butter so that milk solids separate and traces of water evaporate, resulting in pure butter fat. This makes ghee a good option for those who are lactose intolerant.
For those who do choose to consume dairy while on the paleo diet, it is recommended to opt for organic, pasture-raised, grass-fed, full-fat, and fermented dairy products like yogurt, kefir, and cheese. Goat or sheep's milk products are also considered a good choice. Fermented dairy products are beneficial due to the presence of good bacteria, and the fermentation process consumes most of the sugars, reducing the insulin response.
It is important to note that dairy can affect those with hormone issues, and it is often one of the first things to be cut by nutritionists treating patients with conditions like PCOS or thyroid dysfunction. Additionally, dairy products can cause inflammation, especially in those who are lactose intolerant.
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Grass-fed butter and ghee are allowed on paleo
The Paleo diet, also known as the "Caveman diet", is based on the types of foods presumed to have been eaten by early humans and typically includes meat, fruits, and vegetables while excluding dairy products, refined sugar, wheat, and legumes.
While dairy is not considered Paleo, some people choose to include certain dairy products in their diet, such as butter and ghee. Butter made from grass-fed cows is believed by some to be Paleo-friendly, as the process of making ghee involves removing most of the milk solids and leaving only the fat. The milk solids contain lactase and casein, which can cause digestive issues for some people. However, it's important to note that butter and ghee are still dairy products, and the Paleo Diet® specifically recommends against including them in your diet.
Ghee, a type of clarified butter, has been a staple in the Indian diet for thousands of years. It is made by simmering butter over medium-low heat until the dairy proteins or "milk solids" are cooked out, resulting in a high-density fat-soluble vitamin content. Ghee is approximately 60% saturated fat, giving it a very high smoke point of 485 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it an excellent cooking fat. It is also shelf-stable and can be a good source of vitamins A, D, E, and K2.
While some sources claim that grass-fed butter and ghee are not only Paleo but also nutritious and healthy, others argue that they should be avoided due to the presence of growth hormones and bioactive proteins, as well as oxidized cholesterol, which may contribute to heart disease. Ultimately, the decision to include grass-fed butter and ghee in a Paleo diet may depend on individual preferences and tolerances, as the Paleo movement emphasizes obtaining optimum health through a diet of natural, unprocessed foods.
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Fermented dairy products like kefir are OK for some paleo eaters
The paleo diet, also known as the "Caveman diet", typically entails no refined sugar, wheat products, dairy products, or legumes. However, there is some debate about whether dairy products are acceptable, and some people who follow the paleo diet choose to include certain dairy products in their diet.
Fermented dairy products, such as kefir, are one example of a type of dairy that some paleo eaters include in their diet. Fermented dairy products are often tolerated better than other dairy products because the fermentation process consumes most of the sugars, reducing the insulin response and making it a good alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals. Additionally, fermented dairy products contain beneficial bacteria, which can be good for gut health.
When choosing dairy products to include in a paleo diet, it is recommended to opt for organic, pasture-raised, grass-fed, full-fat, and fermented options such as yogurt, kefir, or cheese. Raw dairy products, sourced directly from farmers, are also considered preferable by some as they retain the original properties of the milk, including the enzyme lactase, which aids in the digestion of lactose. Goat or sheep's milk is also recommended as it is considered a high-quality source of dairy.
It is important to note that dairy products are not universally accepted within the paleo community, and some people choose to strictly avoid them. Dairy products, including cheese, are not considered strictly paleo as they were not consumed during the Palaeolithic Era, except for human milk in infancy. Additionally, dairy products can be high in carbs and insulin-promoting, which may be problematic for those trying to lose weight or manage insulin levels.
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Goat cheese is paleo-approved
The Paleo diet, also known as the "Caveman diet", typically entails no refined sugar, wheat products, dairy products, or legumes. While cheese is generally not considered paleo-approved, there is an ongoing debate in the paleo community about goat cheese. Some sources claim that goat cheese is paleo-approved, while strict paleo dieters avoid all types of cheese. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether to include goat cheese in their paleo diet.
Goat cheese, or cheese made from goat's milk, has been claimed by some to be paleo-approved due to several reasons. Firstly, goat cheese is derived from goat milk, which is different from traditional cow's milk in terms of its composition and digestibility. Goat milk has a lower amount of lactose, a sugar that can be difficult for some people to digest, and a different type of casein protein, which may make it easier for some people to tolerate.
Additionally, goat cheese is said to be more easily digested by many people. This is because goat milk has smaller fat globules and a different protein structure compared to cow's milk, making it less likely to cause digestive issues for those with lactose intolerance or sensitivity to cow dairy. As a result, some people following the paleo diet may choose to include goat cheese in moderation, especially if they do not experience any negative digestive effects.
However, it is important to note that dairy products, including goat cheese, are not strictly paleo. This is because the paleo diet aims to replicate the diet of our prehistoric ancestors, who likely did not consume dairy products in significant amounts. Additionally, dairy products are known to cause inflammation in some individuals and can affect those with hormone-related issues. Therefore, goat cheese is not universally accepted as paleo-approved, and some paleo dieters choose to avoid it completely.
In conclusion, while goat cheese may be considered paleo-approved by some due to its digestibility and lower lactose content compared to cow's milk cheese, it is not strictly within the paleo diet guidelines. Ultimately, the decision to include goat cheese in a paleo diet depends on individual preferences, tolerance to dairy, and the specific interpretation of the paleo diet being followed.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese is not allowed on a strict paleo diet as it is a dairy product. However, some people on the paleo diet say dairy is OK, especially if it is grass-fed, organic, pasture-raised, and full-fat.
The paleo diet, also known as the "Caveman diet", is meant to mimic what our hunter-gatherer ancestors ate. It advocates cutting out grains, dairy, legumes, and refined sugar.
Foods that are allowed on the paleo diet include grass-fed meat, fish and seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, and most fruits and vegetables.
Foods that are not allowed on the paleo diet include grains, dairy products, legumes, refined sugar, and starchy vegetables like potatoes and beets.
Yes, some people on the paleo diet use non-dairy cheese alternatives made from cashews or other nuts.
