An article by Dr Mark Hyman which addresses the circulation of 'cherry-picking' research and misinformation on the internet, and mediates the polarised argument between paleo and vegan diet followers, attempting to combine the two 'opposed' ways of eating.
As someone who is quick to sing the praises of a sustainable/ethical vegan diet, while still (perhaps hypocritically) enjoying the occasional serving of egg/fish/dairy, and avoiding soy like the plague (unless fermented i.e. tempeh/miso,) I agree with every point this article makes. I only wish he'd also addressed the importance of sprouting grains and legumes before cooking, a point mentioned on this paleo faq.Looking at the research it is easy to get confused. Vegan diet studies show they help with weight loss, reverse diabetes and lower cholesterol. Paleo diets seem to do the same thing. So should you be shunning animal foods and eating only beans, grains and veggies or should you eat meat and fat without guilt and give up all grains and beans?
Essentially, each camp adheres to their diet with near religious fervor. And each can point to studies validating their point of view...
Comparing a vegan diet of chips and Coke, bagels and pasta to a paleo diet of healthy veggies and grass fed meat won’t be very helpful, nor would comparing a paleo diet of feedlot meat, bologna and no fresh veggies to a whole foods, low glycemic vegan diet.
- Dr Mark Hyman
