Andy Montoya
The Paleo diet, also known as the caveman or Stone Age diet, is based on the types of foods that our ancestors might have eaten during the Paleolithic era, which spans from about 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago. The diet includes whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, meat, and seafood. Dairy products, including cheese, are not considered paleo because our hunter-gatherer ancestors did not milk cows. However, some people on the paleo diet do consume certain types of cheese, especially if it is grass-fed, as it is higher in omega-3s. So, is parmesan cheese allowed on paleo?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Strict Paleo diet | Does not include dairy products |
| Dairy products | Can cause inflammation |
| Can be difficult to digest | |
| Can cause acne | |
| Dairy products allowed on Paleo diet | Grass-fed butter |
| Ghee | |
| Goat-based products | |
| Raw cheese | |
| Dairy products allowed in small amounts on Paleo diet | Yogurt |
| Kefir |
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What You'll Learn
Parmesan cheese is not allowed on a strict paleo diet
The Paleo diet, also known as the caveman diet, is based on the types of foods that our ancestors may have eaten during the Paleolithic era, which spans from about 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago. The diet advocates cutting out grains, dairy, and legumes, and instead focusing on unprocessed, whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood.
Strictly speaking, Parmesan cheese, which is a dairy product, is not allowed on a strict paleo diet. This is because hunter-gatherers did not milk cows, and dairy products are therefore not considered paleo. Dairy products can also be inflammatory for certain individuals and can affect those with hormone issues.
However, some people following a paleo diet do choose to include certain dairy products, such as grass-fed butter or certain types of cheese, based on their nutritional value and personal tolerance. Some people on the paleo diet argue that dairy is OK, especially if it is grass-fed, as there is evidence that grass-fed cows produce milk with more omega-3s than grain-fed cows. Fermented dairy products like yoghurt, kefir, and hard cheeses that have been fermented long enough to eat up all sugars won't have any lactose left, so it's a good alternative for the lactose intolerant.
Ultimately, the decision to include Parmesan cheese in a paleo diet is a personal one, and there is no "paleo police". If you choose to include Parmesan cheese in your paleo diet, it is recommended to do so in moderation and observe how your body responds.
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Some paleo practitioners allow grass-fed, raw dairy products, including certain cheeses
The Paleo diet, also known as the caveman diet, is based on the types of foods that our ancestors might have eaten during the Paleolithic era. This diet advocates cutting out grains, dairy, and legumes. However, some practitioners of the paleo diet do allow certain dairy products, including specific cheeses.
The key to eating paleo is consuming unprocessed, whole foods, with fruits and vegetables making up the bulk of the diet. While the traditional paleo diet excludes all dairy products, some practitioners include grass-fed, raw dairy products in moderation. This is because grass-fed dairy has more omega-3s than grain-fed dairy, and raw dairy retains all the original properties of the milk.
Fermented dairy products like yogurt, kefir, and hard cheeses are often tolerated by paleo practitioners because they have less lactose and casein, which can cause digestive issues. Fermented dairy also has the benefit of introducing beneficial bacteria into the gut. Additionally, the fermentation process consumes most of the sugars, reducing insulin response.
When deciding whether to include cheese in a paleo diet, it is essential to consider individual tolerance and the quality of the cheese. Some people on the paleo diet choose to include grass-fed butter or certain types of cheese based on their nutritional value and how their bodies respond. Goat's milk cheese, for example, is less likely to upset the gut.
It is worth noting that dairy products can cause inflammation in some individuals and may affect those with hormone issues. Therefore, the decision to include cheese in a paleo diet should be made based on personal health and well-being.
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Dairy can be a good source of beneficial gut bacteria
The paleo diet is based on the idea of eating like our hunter-gatherer ancestors. This means that if something could have been hunted or gathered, it is allowed on the paleo diet. Dairy products, including milk, butter, yogurt, sour cream, and cheese, are not typically considered paleo because our ancestors did not milk cows. However, some people on the paleo diet do choose to include certain dairy products, especially if they are grass-fed or fermented.
Dairy products can be a good source of beneficial gut bacteria, which can have a positive impact on our health. Fermented dairy products like yogurt, kefir, and cheese contain active bacterial cultures and fermentation by-products that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Studies have shown that these dairy types can increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Additionally, yogurt has been found to reduce the abundance of Bacteroides fragilis, a pathogenic strain.
The consumption of dairy can influence the types of microbes present in the gut, and this can happen very quickly, sometimes within a day or two. While some of these shifts may be positive, there is also research suggesting that a meat-rich diet can lead to an increase in certain bacteria linked to inflammation and intestinal diseases in mice. However, it is important to note that the impact of dairy on gut bacteria is complex and can vary depending on the type and quantity of dairy consumed.
For those following a paleo diet who wish to include dairy, grass-fed and fermented options are recommended. Organic, pasture-raised, full-fat dairy products, such as yogurt, kefir, and cheese, are suggested. Fermented dairy is particularly beneficial due to its good bacteria and reduced insulin response, as the fermentation process consumes most of the sugars. Additionally, clarified butter (ghee) is a popular choice as it is composed of healthy saturated fats.
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Dairy can be inflammatory for certain individuals
The Paleo diet is based on the idea that certain modern foods are responsible for the rise in chronic diseases, such as obesity, heart disease, and cancer. The diet recommends eating only foods that were available to hunter-gatherers in the Paleolithic era.
Dairy is a controversial topic within the Paleo community. Some people following a Paleo diet avoid all forms of dairy, as it was not consumed in the Paleolithic era. However, others argue that dairy can be included, especially if it is grass-fed, organic, pasture-raised, full-fat, and fermented. Grass-fed dairy, for example, is a source of anti-inflammatory fat and fat-soluble vitamins, which can potentially improve body composition and reduce cancer risk. Additionally, fermented dairy products like yogurt, kefir, and cheese contain beneficial bacteria and have lower amounts of lactose, making them a good alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals.
On the other hand, dairy can be inflammatory for certain individuals. Dairy contains protease inhibitors, which interfere with the body's ability to properly digest proteins. This can lead to an increase in the enzyme trypsin, which can weaken the connections between cells in the small intestine, creating a "leaky gut." A leaky gut allows the contents of the gut to leak into the bloodstream, triggering an immune response and increasing inflammation.
Additionally, cow's milk proteins are known gluten cross-reactors, which means that those with gluten intolerance may also have a reaction to dairy proteins. Even the trace proteins in dairy fats, such as butter and ghee, can be problematic for some individuals.
Overall, while dairy can be a good source of beneficial bacteria and nutrients, it can also be inflammatory for certain individuals, particularly those with gluten intolerance or gut health issues. As with any diet, it is important to consider individual tolerances and health goals when deciding whether to include or avoid dairy on the Paleo diet.
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Dairy can affect people with hormone issues
The Paleo diet is based on the idea of eating like our hunter-gatherer ancestors. This means that a strict paleo diet does not allow dairy products, including milk, butter, yogurt, sour cream, and cheese. However, some people on the paleo diet do consume dairy, especially if it is grass-fed or fermented, as these have higher omega-3 content and less lactose.
Dairy products, especially cow's milk, contain steroid hormones, including estrogen and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). These hormones are essential for infant growth and immunity. However, they can have adverse effects on people with hormone issues. The presence of estrogen in dairy has been linked to the initiation and promotion of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast, ovarian, prostate, and endometrial cancers. The insulin-like growth factor in dairy can also worsen hormonal imbalances, especially in cases of testosterone dominance or excess estrogen. The external hormones and antibiotics given to cows to meet the demand for milk can further disrupt the natural hormonal balance in humans when consumed.
For people with hormonal imbalances, such as irregular periods, unbearable menstrual cramps, fertility issues, or menopause symptoms, dairy consumption can prolong stress, leading to high cortisol levels and overworking the liver and kidneys. To correct hormonal imbalances, it is advisable to avoid dairy for at least 4-6 weeks and include more green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds, which help flush out toxins and promote hormonal harmony.
While dairy can be a good source of beneficial bacteria for gut health, especially in fermented forms like yogurt and kefir, the potential negative impact on hormone issues is a concern. Therefore, for individuals with hormone-related health concerns, the benefits of avoiding dairy may outweigh the benefits of consuming it.
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Frequently asked questions
Strictly speaking, Parmesan cheese is not Paleo because it is a dairy product. However, some people on the Paleo diet do eat dairy, especially if it is grass-fed, organic, pasture-raised, and full-fat.
Dairy contains lactose, which is not well tolerated by most people. Dairy can also be inflammatory for certain individuals and may affect those with hormone issues.
Dairy products like cheese are rich sources of nutrients, including calcium, protein, and various vitamins. Fermented dairy products like yogurt and kefir are also good sources of beneficial bacteria.
Hard, aged, grass-fed cheeses are considered more acceptable because they have lower amounts of lactose. Goat's milk cheese is also an option since it does not upset the gut like cow's milk cheese.
