Ancestral eating is more than a dietary trend—it's a return to the nutritional practices that have supported human health for millennia. Rooted in the dietary wisdom of our ancestors, this approach emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods that our bodies are evolutionarily adapted to thrive on.
The Wisdom of Weston A. Price
Dr. Weston A. Price, a pioneering dentist in the early 20th century, dedicated his career to understanding the relationship between diet and health. His groundbreaking research, documented in "Nutrition and Physical Degeneration," revealed the profound impact of traditional diets on dental and overall health. Price's work showed that communities following ancestral diets had remarkable dental health, free of the cavities, tooth decay, and malformations common in Western societies.
The Foundation of Ancestral Diets
At the heart of ancestral diets are whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in nutrients essential for optimal health. These include meats, organ meats, bone marrow, full-fat dairy, seafood, and some plant foods like fruits and fermented vegetables. Price observed that these diets provided the necessary nutrients to support robust health, including the development of strong bones and teeth, resilient immune systems, and vibrant energy.
The Role of Fat-Soluble Vitamins
One of Weston A. Price's most significant discoveries was the importance of fat-soluble vitamins—A, D, and K2—in maintaining health. These vitamins are found primarily in animal foods and play crucial roles in the body.
Vitamin A: The Growth and Repair Nutrient
Vitamin A is essential for cellular health, influencing everything from immune function to vision. Price noted that traditional diets rich in vitamin A supported the development of strong teeth and bones. Foods high in vitamin A include liver, egg yolks, and butter from grass-fed animals.
Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin
Vitamin D, which is synthesized in the skin through sunlight exposure and found in certain foods, is critical for calcium absorption and bone health. Price observed that populations living in sun-drenched environments or consuming vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish and organ meats had superior dental health and stronger bones.
Vitamin K2: The Calcium Director
Vitamin K2 ensures that calcium is deposited in the right places, such as bones and teeth, and not in soft tissues, where it can cause harm. This vitamin, found in foods like fermented dairy, liver, and egg yolks, works synergistically with vitamins A and D to promote optimal health.
The Importance of Whole Animal Consumption
Traditional diets waste nothing, using every part of the animal to nourish the body. This practice, known as nose-to-tail eating, ensures a complete and balanced intake of nutrients.
Liver: The Nutrient Powerhouse
Liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, providing a rich source of vitamins A, D, and K2, as well as essential minerals like iron and copper. In his studies, Price found that indigenous populations consuming liver regularly had excellent overall health, particularly in dental and skeletal development.
Bone Marrow: The Healing Elixir
Bone marrow is prized in many traditional diets for its healing properties. It is rich in collagen, stem cells, and fat-soluble vitamins, which support the repair and maintenance of bones, teeth, and connective tissue. Price documented that those who consumed bone marrow had a lower incidence of dental problems and degenerative diseases.
Bone Broth: The Liquid Gold
Bones, when simmered into broths, release a wealth of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus into the liquid. This nutrient-rich broth is a staple in traditional diets, providing the building blocks for strong bones and teeth. Price noted that societies consuming bone broths regularly had significantly better dental and skeletal health.
The Superiority of Raw, Full-Fat Dairy
Raw, full-fat dairy from grass-fed animals is a cornerstone of ancestral eating. Price’s research demonstrated that raw dairy products, rich in fat-soluble vitamins and beneficial bacteria, were crucial for maintaining strong teeth and bones. Unlike modern pasteurized and homogenized dairy, raw dairy retains its natural enzymes and nutrients, making it a superior choice for those seeking to optimize their health.
The Case Against Modern Dietary Practices
Ancestral eating involves not just the inclusion of nutrient-dense foods, but also the exclusion of modern foods that contribute to health problems. Price’s work revealed the detrimental effects of refined sugars, industrial seed oils, and processed foods.
Refined Sugars and Grains: The Root of Modern Diseases
Refined sugars and grains, staples of the modern diet, were virtually absent in the traditional diets studied by Price. He observed that the introduction of these foods into indigenous populations led to a rapid decline in health, with increases in cavities, tooth decay, and chronic diseases. These foods provide empty calories without the essential nutrients needed for health, leading to malnutrition even in the presence of sufficient caloric intake.
Industrial Seed Oils: The Inflammatory Culprits
Industrial seed oils, high in omega-6 fatty acids, contribute to chronic inflammation and are associated with diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Price’s studies showed that traditional diets, which were rich in natural fats from animal sources, supported much better health outcomes than diets high in processed seed oils (often called vegetable oils to mislead us).
Processed Foods: Stripped of Nutrients
Processed foods, which are stripped of their natural nutrients and loaded with additives, were not part of the diets that Price studied. He found that societies consuming whole, unprocessed foods had much lower rates of degenerative diseases and maintained better health throughout their lives.
The Dangers of Nutrient Deficiency
Price’s research underscored the dangers of nutrient deficiencies, particularly in fat-soluble vitamins and minerals. The absence of these critical nutrients leads to physical degeneration, including dental caries, skeletal deformities, and increased susceptibility to infections and chronic diseases.
Practical Steps to Begin Ancestral Eating:
Start with Organ Meats
Begin incorporating organ meats like liver and heart into your diet. These nutrient-dense foods can be added to ground meats, made into pâtés, or eaten as a main dish. The high concentration of essential vitamins and minerals in organ meats makes them an indispensable part of an ancestral diet.
Switch to Raw, Grass-Fed Dairy
Seek out raw, full-fat dairy products from grass-fed animals. If raw dairy is unavailable, opt for organic, grass-fed alternatives. These products are richer in nutrients and free from the harmful effects of pasteurization and homogenization.
Make Bone Broth a Staple
Bone broth is easy to make and incredibly nutritious. Simmer bones from grass-fed animals with vegetables and herbs to create a mineral-rich broth that can be used as a base for soups, stews, or consumed on its own.
Incorporate Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Focus on foods rich in vitamins A, D, and K2, such as liver, egg yolks, and grass-fed butter. These nutrients are critical for maintaining strong bones, healthy teeth, and overall vitality.
Avoid Processed Foods
Eliminate processed foods from your diet as much as possible. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods that provide the nutrients your body needs to thrive.
The Connection Between Diet and Dental Health
Price’s most famous observation was the direct link between diet and dental health. He found that populations consuming traditional diets rich in fat-soluble vitamins and minerals had perfect dental arches, straight teeth, and virtually no cavities. Conversely, those who adopted Western diets high in refined sugars and processed foods experienced a dramatic increase in dental problems.
The Impact of Traditional Diets on Physical Development
In addition to dental health, Price noted that traditional diets supported proper physical development, including strong bones, well-formed facial structures, and robust overall health. His research showed that children raised on nutrient-rich traditional diets had fewer physical deformities and were generally healthier than those raised on modern diets.
The Role of Fermented Foods in Ancestral Diets
Fermented foods played a significant role in traditional diets, providing beneficial bacteria that support gut health. Foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and yogurt are rich in probiotics and enzymes, which aid digestion and enhance nutrient absorption. Price observed that societies consuming fermented foods had better digestive health and overall resilience against disease.
The Benefits of Seafood and Marine Foods
Many of the healthiest populations studied by Price lived near the sea and consumed a diet rich in seafood and marine oils. These foods are high in omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, and fat-soluble vitamins, all of which are essential for brain health, hormone balance, and immune function. Incorporating seafood into your diet is a key component of ancestral eating.
The Importance of Soil Health and Food Quality
Price emphasized the connection between soil health and the nutritional quality of food. He noted that traditional farming practices, which enriched the soil, produced more nutrient-dense foods. Modern industrial agriculture, on the other hand, depletes the soil of essential minerals, leading to crops that are less nutritious. Choosing organic, sustainably grown produce is important for maintaining the integrity of an ancestral diet.
Avoiding Antinutrients and Enhancing Nutrient Absorption
Ancestral diets minimize the intake of antinutrients—compounds found in certain plants (vegetables) that inhibit the absorption of essential minerals. Price noted that traditional methods of food preparation, such as soaking, fermenting, and sprouting, reduce the levels of antinutrients in foods, enhancing their nutritional value. Incorporating these practices can help you get the most out of your diet.
Reconnecting with Traditional Cooking Methods
Traditional cooking methods, such as slow cooking, fermenting, and drying, preserve the nutritional integrity of foods and make nutrients more bioavailable. These methods are a hallmark of ancestral eating and are crucial for maintaining health. By adopting these techniques, you can enjoy the full benefits of the nutrient-rich foods in your diet.
The Cultural Significance of Ancestral Foods
Ancestral eating is not just about nutrition; it is also about connecting with cultural traditions and the wisdom of our ancestors. Food was central to community and family life, and traditional diets reflect a deep understanding of the connection between food, health, and the environment. Embracing ancestral eating is a way to honor these traditions and maintain a link to the past.
Embracing Ancestral Eating for Health and Vitality
Ancestral eating offers a path to reclaiming health and vitality in a world where modern diets have led to widespread chronic disease and degeneration. You can support your body's innate capacity for health by putting an emphasis on nutrient-dense, whole foods and adhering to Weston A. Price's proven traditional diet wisdom. Whether you are just beginning your journey or deepening your understanding, ancestral eating provides a sustainable, health-focused approach to nutrition that is grounded in the practices of our forebears.
FAQ: Ancestral Eating
What is ancestral eating?
Ancestral eating is a dietary approach that emphasizes the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods that our ancestors ate for thousands of years. This includes meats, organ meats, bone marrow, full-fat dairy, seafood, fruits, fermented vegetables, and honey. The diet focuses on nutrient-dense foods that are free from modern processing, refined sugars, and industrial seed oils, aiming to support optimal health by aligning with our evolutionary biology.
Why are fat-soluble vitamins so important in ancestral eating?
Fat-soluble vitamins—A, D, and K2—are critical because they work together to support essential functions in the body, including immune function, bone and tooth health, and cellular growth. These vitamins are found primarily in animal foods and are better absorbed and utilized by the body than their plant-based counterparts. Weston A. Price's research highlighted that diets rich in these vitamins are associated with better dental and overall health.
Can I follow an ancestral diet if I’m vegetarian or vegan?
Ancestral eating traditionally includes animal products, which are the primary sources of essential nutrients like vitamins A, D, K2, and complete proteins. While it is possible to adapt some principles of ancestral eating to a vegetarian diet, such as focusing on whole, unprocessed foods and avoiding modern dietary pitfalls, strict vegans will find it challenging to obtain all necessary nutrients.
What are some practical ways to start ancestral eating?
To start ancestral eating, begin by incorporating nutrient-dense foods like organ meats, bone broth, and raw, full-fat dairy into your diet. Focus on sourcing high-quality, grass-fed, pasture-raised, and organic foods. Eliminate processed foods, refined sugars, and industrial seed oils. Additionally, try to include traditional food preparation methods, such as fermenting, soaking, and slow cooking, to enhance nutrient absorption.
How does ancestral eating improve dental health?
Ancestral eating supports dental health by providing the nutrients necessary for strong teeth and bones, particularly fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, and K2) and minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Weston A. Price’s research showed that populations consuming traditional diets had excellent dental health, with little to no cavities or tooth decay. These diets help maintain a balanced oral microbiome and promote the remineralization of teeth.
Is it necessary to consume raw dairy in an ancestral diet?
Raw dairy is highly recommended in an ancestral diet because it retains all the natural enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and nutrients that are often lost in pasteurization and homogenization processes. If raw dairy is not accessible or legal in your area, opting for organic, grass-fed, full-fat dairy products is the next best option. These products still offer many of the benefits of raw dairy, particularly when compared to processed dairy alternatives.
What are antinutrients, and how do they affect health?
Antinutrients are compounds found in certain plant foods that can inhibit the absorption of essential nutrients like minerals. Examples include phytates, lectins, and tannins found in grains, legumes, and some vegetables. Traditional methods of food preparation, such as soaking, fermenting, and sprouting, can reduce the levels of antinutrients and improve the bioavailability of nutrients in these foods.
Can I eat grains and legumes on an ancestral diet?
Grains and legumes are generally minimized or avoided in strict ancestral eating because they contain antinutrients that can impair digestion and nutrient absorption. However, if you choose to include them, it’s important to prepare them traditionally by soaking, fermenting, or sprouting to reduce antinutrients and make them more digestible.
How does ancestral eating differ from the Paleo diet?
While both ancestral eating and the Paleo diet emphasize whole, unprocessed foods, ancestral eating specifically focuses on the dietary practices of traditional cultures studied by Weston A. Price. It includes nutrient-dense animal products like organ meats, raw dairy, and bone broth, which are often less emphasized in the modern Paleo diet. Ancestral eating also incorporates traditional food preparation methods and places a strong emphasis on fat-soluble vitamins.
Are there any modern foods that fit within an ancestral diet?
While ancestral eating focuses on traditional foods, some modern foods can fit within this framework if they are minimally processed and nutrient-dense. For example, high-quality, cold-pressed olive oil, pastured eggs, and organic vegetables are modern foods that align with the principles of ancestral eating. The key is to choose foods that are as close to their natural state as possible.