Paleo Diet Primal Vitamin A Beta Carotene Toxicity-min

Do You Get Too Much Vitamin A?

What is Vitamin A?

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin, which is either found ready formed – for example in animal products such as meat and dairy – or as pro-vitamin A, beta carotene, in fruits and vegetables. Beta carotene is then converted into Vitamin A in the body, with the help of the hormone thyroid.

Vitamin A is crucial for many functions, such as vision, reproduction, breast feeding and in maintaining healthy skin, teeth and bones.

Liver is a great source of vitamin A. For beta carotene, the more intensely coloured the fruit or vegetables – the higher the amount of beta carotene it provides. Supplements wise, cod liver oil is an excellent source (just make sure you check the ingredients and choose a good quality supplement).

Paleo Diet Primal Vitamin A Beta Carotene Toxicity-min

Vitamin A Toxicity

If you don’t get enough vitamin A you can experience immune and vision issues – but conversely it is equally problematic getting too much. In fact excess vitamin A has even been shown to result in birth defects. Excessive consumption of beta carotene is not so serious, but it will make your skin turn yellow or orange, which would look rather alarming! Fortunately the skin will return to it’s normal colour once intake of beta carotene is reduced.

Another issue with excessive levels of vitamin A, are that it appears to reduce the bodies ability to utilise Vitamin D. As people tend to be deficient in Vitamin D (perhaps more so than Vitamin A), this could be a real problem. As with so many vitamins and minerals, it appears having a good balance is crucial.

Have you had your levels checked? How were they? Are you concerned about toxicity? Please share your experiences in the comments below.

Raw Chocolate Coconut Macaroons paleo dessert sweet treat snack primal gluten free sugar free-min

Recipes: Raw Chocolate Coconut Macaroons

Let’s face it; sometimes, we all crave a bit of chocolate. Even we Paleo folk have our weaknesses. Fortunately though, our chocolate fixes don’t have to be laden with sugar and dairy. In moderation, raw cacao is extremely healthy, bursting with antioxidants and beneficial phytochemicals. There are loads of different ways you can enjoy it, and for me it's much more delicious than the cheap and nasty stuff people buy stacks of in the supermarket. What better way to enjoy it than as part of some delicious, no bake, easy to make, mini macaroons?

Makes 12

Chocolate Coconut Macaroons Ingredients:

  • 1 banana
  • ¼ cup Almond Butter
  • ¼ cup Coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 5 tbsp raw cacao powder
  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Chocolate Coconut Macaroons How To:

Cover a flat baking tray with some baking parchment.

Mash the banana in a large bowl. Whisk in the almond butter, coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla if using to form a paste.

Add the cacao powder to the mix, one spoonful at a time, stirring well.

Stir in the coconut, making sure all the mixture is well combined (I used my hands for this part!). Form the mixture into 12 mini ‘macaroon’ shapes, and place on top of the baking parchment.

Leave in the fridge for at least an hour to fully set. If you can’t wait that long, 10 minutes in the freezer is just as good!

Raw Chocolate Coconut Macaroons paleo dessert sweet treat snack primal gluten free sugar free-min

Paleo Diet Primal Sleep Problems Blue Light Blockers-min

Is Blue Light Ruining Your Sleep?

How is your sleep? If you’re struggling to get to sleep – or to get a decent amount of sleep, have you though that the problem might lie with your circadian rhythms? And that exposure to blue light may be messing up your circadian rhythms?

How we’re supposed to sleep

If you go camping, away from towns and cities, you might have noticed you get tired much earlier than you would do normally? When the only light after dark comes from a camp fire, the signal to your body to produce melatonin, the sleep hormone. As soon as the sun rises the next morning, melatonin production slows down, telling your body it is daytime – and time to wake up and get going. For this reason light is absolutely crucial to your bodies internal body clock. The incredible range of sleeping potions on sale is surely proof at how widespread sleeping problems are.

Unfortunately the unnatural, man made lights that we all rely on, give off the same lights as the sun – signalling to our bodies that it is daytime. And most definitely not time to sleep. Blue light is everywhere; household lights, your computer, ipad, laptop, tv,street lighting, alarm clocks – it is hard to escape blue light. As well as messing up with natural sleeping patterns, excessive blue light exposure is also linked to increased cancer risk and an increased chance of obesity.

Paleo Diet Primal Sleep Problems Blue Light Blockers-min

How can we escape blue light?

Fortunately there are measures you can take to limit your exposure to blue light:

  • After sunset, turn off all bright lights in your house (use candlelight or orange or red light bulbs)
  • Stop using electronics after dark…
  • …But if you must use your computer after dark, install the free f.lux program to minimise blue light
  • Make your bedroom as dark as possible, install black out blinds (or go for the cheap option and stick card against the windows at night)
  • Sleep with an eye mask
  • Go one step further and wear blue light blocking glasses after dark (with orange, amber or red tinted lenses)

How well do you sleep? Do you limit your exposure to blue light after sunset? I’d love to hear your sleep tips in the comments below!

Recipe Smoky Chilli Squid paleo fish seafood-min

Recipe: Smoky Chilli Squid

Seafood is a great source of omega 3 and other nutrients. Fresh Squid can be great, and I particularly like this recipe. The longer you leave this one to marinate, the better.

Smoky Chilli Squid Ingredients:

  • 2 whole squid, skinned and cleaned
  • 1 fresh red chilli, chopped and deseeded
  • 1 red pepper, chopped and deseeded
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 cloves smoked garlic
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Small handful fresh coriander

Smoky Chilli Squid How To:

1)     In a food processor, blitz together all the ingredients except the squid.

2)     Place the squid in a resealable plastic bag. Pour over the marinade, then leave in the refrigerator for as long as you want, preferable overnight.

3)     When you’re ready to cook, heat a griddle to a high heat. BBQ the squid for 3 – 4 minutes each side, brushing every now and then with the leftover marinade.

Do you often have seafood? What is your favourite?

Recipe Smoky Chilli Squid paleo fish seafood-min

Paleo Diet Recipe Primal Greek Style Lamb Cutlets with Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables-min

Recipe: Greek Style Lamb Cutlets with Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables

High quality, lean lamb cutlets aren't only delicious, they are packed with protein and bursting with iron, zinc and vitamin B12. Enjoy Al Fresco with these roasted vegetables for a light, well rounded evening meal.

Greek Style Lamb Cutlets Ingredients:

Greek Style Lamb Cutlets:

  • 8 small lamb cutlets
  • 4 cloves of garlic, peeled
  • Small handful fresh mint, finely chopped
  • Small handful fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp chopped anchovies
  • Juice 1 lemon
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • Black pepper

Roasted Vegetables:

  • 20 – 30 vine ripened cherry tomatoes,
  • 1 courgette, chopped into ½ cm thick rounds
  • 1 onion, chopped into wedges
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • Sea Salt
  • Black Pepper

Greek Style Lamb Cutlets How To:

Preheat the oven to 160C / 325F / Gas Mark 4

To season the lamb cutlets, crush the garlic in a mortar and pestle with the mint, parsley and a little salt. Whisk in the olive oil and lemon juice, then finally stir in the anchovies and a little freshly ground black pepper. Rub the mixture into the lamb chops, then leave to marinade.

Scatter all of the vegetables into a roasting dish. Combine the garlic with the olive oil, then drizzle over the vegetables. Season well with salt and pepper and the oregano. Place into the oven and leave to roast for around 40 minutes.

About 10 minutes before serving, heat a large pan over a high heat with a little olive oil. When really hot, throw in the lamb chops and cook for 2 – 3 minutes each side (for medium). Remove the vegetables from the oven and serve with the lamb.

Paleo Diet Recipe Primal Greek Style Lamb Cutlets with Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables-min

Top ten paleo diet foods list-min

The Top Ten Paleo Diet Foods

What do you think are the top ten Paleo foods, and why? Here is my list…

Paleo-Diet-Recipe-Primal-The-Top-Ten-Foods-10-min

1. Grass fed beef

Good quality grass-fed beef is a great source of protein, omega 3 and many other nutrients. It’s also extremely versatile; grill it, barbeque it, make it into jerky or grind it into mince beef to use in lots of different meals –using the leftover bones to make a nourishing bone broth.

2. Pastured Chicken

Pastured chicken is delicious as the centre of a roast dinner – and the leftovers make beautiful chicken stock. A great protein source, left over chicken is great to snack on, or turn into curries and soup.

3. Bacon

What list of Paleo foods is complete without bacon? You can even use the remaining fat to cook with.

4. Coconut Oil

As well as being a great oil to cook pretty much anything in, this saturated fat is great on it’s own by the spoonful! Coconut oil is also believed to be a great help with dementia and can even be used on your skin.

5. Avocado

Avocado is a perfect fat source and goes with almost anything. You can even cook it, or use it to make a dessert!

6. Eggs

Not only are eggs a great protein source, they are great for making paleo egg fried rice, filling for breakfast – and easy to hardboil in advance to keep peeled in the fridge as a ready snack.

7. Berries

Berries are relatively low in fructose and a great source of antioxidants.

8. Kale

Kale is a true superfood, as it is packed with magnesium, calcium, vitamins A, C and K, lutein, iron and antioxidants. You can even turn it into kale chips!

9. Onions

Onions are a sulphur rich vegetable (which Dr. Terry Walhs considers important enough to eat three cupful’s worth a day) – and just so incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making a stew – or even an omelette, onions will be a great addition.

10. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a great base for lots of meals – such as beanless chilli – as they lend themselves so readily to sauce.

Do you agree with my list? What would be on your top ten list of Paleo foods?

Paleo Diet Recipe Primal Crunchy Cashew Fish Fingers Bites Nuggets-min

Recipe: Crunchy Cashew Fish

Quick, comforting, and bursting with flavour, this recipe works great with any white fish and makes a fail safe dinner for the whole family.

Cashew Fish Ingredients:

  • 400g sustainable wild white fish, cut into palm sized pieces
  • 2 tsp coriander
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp black peppercorns
  • 2 tsp black mustard seed
  • 3 tbsp cashew nut flour
  • A pinch cayenne pepper
  • A handful of crushed cashews
  • 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • Olive oil
  • A handful of fresh coriander

Cashew Fish How To:

1)     In a mortar and pestle, grind down the black peppercorns and mustard seed. Transfer to a bowl with the cumin, coriander and cayenne, then add the cashew flour.

2)     Heat a pan to a high heat, then dry fry the crushed cashews until golden. Set aside. Add a little of the oil, then sauté the onions for around 5 minutes. Set aside with the cashews.

3)     Add the rest of the oil to the pan. Toss the fish in the cashew and spice mix, then fry for 2 – 3 minutes each side, until lovely and crisp.

4)     Return the onions and cashews to the pan. Season, and finish with the fresh coriander.

Paleo Diet Recipe Primal Crunchy Cashew Fish Fingers Bites Nuggets-min

The Paleo Diet Phytonutrients Anthocyanins Catechins-min

Phytonutrients & The Paleo Diet

Phytonutrients are compounds which are found in natural plant based foods and these are known to offer a range of health benefits to the human body. The bright colours which are found in a range of fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, pepper and squash are thought to be the cause of phytonutrients.

There are a range of phytonutrients found in our foods and these all offer different benefits to our health. Anthocyanins for instance, are thought to help us burn fat more easily and these are found in foods such as blackberries and blueberries. Another member of the phytonutrients family is carotenoids which may help to reduce our risk of cancer and can also help to slow down the ageing process. These are found in carrots, tomatoes and lettuce. Catechins are those phytonutrients which act as a great accelerator for weight loss and these are mainly found in green tea. Flavonoids are abundant in cherries, grapes and berries and these also help to reduce the risk of cancer. It is, therefore, a good idea to have a mix of these foods so you are consuming a variety of types of phytonutrients which will offer a range of health benefits.

The benefits of phytonutrients are wide ranging and are of upmost important as they include a reduction in the chances of suffering from life threatening illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. It is also thought that phytonutrients can help reduce our chances of suffering from mental health illnesses, including Alzheimer’s. The reason for this is that foods which are rich in phytonutrients also act as antioxidants, which can do wonders in improving our immune system and the function of our hormones. They are important nutrients for helping our bodies to heal more effectively and are a good way to promote the healthy functioning of our main organs.

The Paleo Diet Phytonutrients Anthocyanins Catechins-min

It is important to consume a good mixture of phytonutrients, which is why the Paleo diet is the most successful in ensuring our bodies remain healthy for as long as possible. As we follow the diet, we are consuming lots of different fruits and vegetables, which provide us with a range of phytonutrients for a healthier lifestyle. Nuts and seeds also contain phytonutrients which makes them a great choice for a snack on the Paleo diet. They are also present in herbal teas, which is a good enough reason to switch from coffee to this healthier drink choice.

These food groups are not only important for a high intake of phytonutrients, they also provide the body with a range of other nutrients, which all work together to maximise the health benefits. The Paleo diet is a great way to ensure we are consuming the right mix of a variety of healthy foods to get the best possible benefits from them. There are many diets which don’t even consider the benefits of phytonutrients and other plant based nutrients and this is the reason the Paleo diet is one of the most successful and important around.

A healthy meal on the Paleo diet will usually consist of a good portion of meat or fish, together with a serving of fresh fruit and if you stick to eating this every day, you will be promoting your intake of phytonutrients, as well as all of the other health benefits these offer. A snack of nuts and seeds or fruit will offer additional health benefits and will help you to look and feel as good as you possibly can.

Phytonutrients can also be found in supplements but it is much more effective to consume the right foods and take good care of our diet, as this can offer other health benefits and is a much better way of managing our intake of these nutrients. It is just about having good awareness when following the Paleo diet and ensuring we consume a good mix of different foods, rather than sticking to the same all the time.

The addition of these phytonutrients will not only reduce the risk of suffering from serious illnesses, but it can also help to reverse the illness, which is why it is vitally important to start and stick to the Paleo diet at any time in our lives. The sooner we start to realise the health benefits of the Paleo diet, the more we can look forward to a long and healthy life.

Paleo Diet Primal Recipe Double Almond and Black Cherry Slices-min

Recipe: Double Almond and Black Cherry Slices

This recipe really is one of those ‘I can’t believe its Paleo’ moments. Perfect for a special occasion, or occasional treat! The abundance of almonds creates a delightfully buttery flavour, and is just heavenly when combined with the black cherry. Go on, see how many of your non-paleo friends you can convert with these slices!




Double Almond and Black Cherry Slices Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups ground almonds
  • 1 tbsp coconut flour
  • ½ cup flaxseed
  • ½ cup almond butter
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tbsp raw honey
  • 2 tbsp high grade maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 200g sugar free black cherry jam (I like the St Dalfour brand, but if you can’t find any it’s easy to make your own!)
  • Coconut flour to dust with (optional)

Double Almond and Black Cherry Slices How To:

Preheat the oven to 350F / 180C / Gas Mark 5. Line an 8 inch square pan with some baking parchment.

In a large bowl, combine the ground almonds, coconut flour, flaxseed and baking soda. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, maple syrup and coconut oil. Blend in the almond butter a little at a time to make a thick, buttery paste.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and rub together with your hands to form a dough. Set aside around a ¼ of the mixture.

Press the remaining dough into the baking tin. Smooth it out with a spatula, then poke a few times with a fork all over. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes.

Remove the tin from the oven. Spread the jam over the base, smooth out, then crumble the remaining dough all over the top. Finish with a few flaked almonds if you wish.

Return to oven and bake for another 10 – 12 minutes. When the top is lovely and golden, the slices will be ready.

Set aside to cool for around half an hour before you cut into squares! You can dust with coconut flour to serve.

Paleo Diet Primal Recipe Double Almond and Black Cherry Slices-min

Zinc and the paleo diet deficiency-min

Zinc & The Paleo Diet

Zinc is one of the key minerals which are required in the body in order to maintain a healthy body and lifestyle. It offers a vast range of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular performance and a clearer complexion. It is also thought that high levels of zinc in the body can help to stave off serious illnesses such as diabetes and cancer. Zinc is traceable in all of the tissues throughout the body, which is why it is so important to keep the levels at a consistent rate.

Zinc is also an antioxidant which is essential for the immune system and to help keep the body in working order. There are a range of notable side effects which can result from low zinc levels in the body, including a decline in energy levels, inability to concentrate and a lack of memory. The side effects can be severe and they can result in more serious conditions, such as infertility and problems in cardiovascular health. The proper function of red and white blood cells relies on good levels of zinc throughout the body, which means it is essential in maintaining a good health.

If you suffer from a lot of flus and colds and they take a while to shift, it may be because your zinc levels are too low. If you notice white spots on your finger nails, it may be due to a lack of zinc or other essential minerals. A sufficient amount of zinc is thought to be around 20mg, which isn't really a lot and is quite easy to introduce into your diet.  If you suffer from skin conditions such as acne, it is a good idea to try and increase your level of zinc, rather than using creams.

Zinc and the paleo diet deficiency-min

A lack of zinc as well as other minerals and vitamins, can lead to malnutrition and the body failing to function the way it should. It is important to ensure the right amount of zinc is consumed as too much can cause other illnesses such as anaemia. It is not healthy to substitute zinc with high levels of other minerals as it is essential for the proper functioning of our bodies.

Levels of zinc can be improved through the consumption of the right food groups and a healthy diet. The Paleo diet is one which helps to promote good levels of zinc due to the fact that it involves eating large quantities of meats, seafood and fish. These foods are high in zinc levels and as such, are important to ensure a healthy diet is maintained. There are lots of other foods which are high in zinc, so there is no need to feel deprived on the Paleo diet, including seeds, nuts and roasted pumpkin seeds which are also full of other essential minerals.

As the Paleo diet is low in foods which contain phytic acid, it really helps to enhance the levels of zinc as the phytic acid prevents the minerals from being absorbed into the system. The main foods which the Paleo diet encourages followers to stay away from, including whole grains and legumes may contain zinc but as they also contain high levels of phytic acid. As a result, they don’t allow zinc to be absorbed into the body, which means they are not beneficial to staving off these serious illnesses.

It is essential to follow a diet which allows zinc and other key minerals to be absorbed into the blood stream, which is why the Paleo follows a strict range of food groups which are beneficial to the body and in no way detrimental. These food groups are not only rich in zinc but are also full of vitamins and nutrients which encourages the body to function properly.

It is human nature to wait until something affects us before we take some action to resolve the problem and some of the side effects of low levels of zinc can be easily dismissed as just feeling under the weather, until they become more severe. The Paleo diet, if followed correctly, will really help to improve zinc levels and there should be noticeable improvements in energy and concentration levels, particularly if these have declined in recent times.

You will also start to notice the difference in your skin as it will become clearer and will have a healthy glow. It is quite simple to incorporate zinc into the Paleo diet as most of the foods will contain a good level of it and it is worth it for the numerous health benefits.