Modern Foods Are Inherently Harmful

Modern vs. Ancient Foods

When Paleo enthusiasts talk about modern food, it’s often with the same tone you’d use to discuss a villain in a superhero movie: sinister, dangerous, and definitely out to get you. Grains, dairy, legumes, and anything processed? Bad. Ultra-processed snacks? The root of all evil. But is the modern foodscape really as harmful as it’s made out to be?

The Claim: Modern Foods Are Poison

The Paleo diet argues that modern foods introduced after the agricultural revolution—grains, legumes, and dairy—are incompatible with our bodies. These foods are blamed for causing chronic diseases, inflammation, and a whole lot of dietary angst. Add ultra-processed foods into the mix, and the verdict seems clear: modern food is the enemy.

The Reality: It's Complicated

Sure, some modern foods (processed junk, looking at you) could be better, but they aren’t for us. But lumping all post-Paleolithic foods into the “harmful” category is like saying every new invention after the wheel was a mistake. Let’s break it down:

  • Whole Grains and Legumes Aren’t Villains: Whole grains like oats, quinoa, and barley are rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Legumes—think beans, lentils, and chickpeas—are nutritional powerhouses packed with protein and fibre. They’ve been staples in many healthy, long-lived populations (hello, Mediterranean diet).
  • Dairy Isn’t the Devil (for Everyone): Yes, some people are lactose intolerant, but for those who can digest dairy, it’s a great source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Plus, fermented dairy like yogurt and kefir can support gut health.
  • Ultra-Processed Foods Are the Real Culprit: Foods loaded with refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives aren’t doing anyone any favours. The problem isn’t that they’re “modern,” but that they’re nutritionally empty and designed to be overconsumed.
  • Modern Nutrition Science Saves Lives: Let’s remember that advancements in food science have made the contemporary diet safer and more diverse. Fortified cereals, pasteurised milk, and vitamin-enriched foods prevent diseases like scurvy and rickets—problems troglodytes would’ve loved to have solved.

The Problem with the Claim

By categorising entire food groups as “harmful,” the Paleo diet risks oversimplifying nutrition. Not all grains, legumes, or dairy products are created equal. A homemade lentil soup is worlds apart from a sugary breakfast cereal. Context matters, and so does balance.

Why This Myth Persists

Processed foods are easy scapegoats for modern health issues, and for good reason—they’re linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The Paleo diet capitalises on this frustration by presenting an appealing alternative: go back to “natural” foods. But “natural” doesn’t always mean better (arsenic is natural, too).

The Takeaway

Modern foods aren’t inherently harmful—it’s how we process, prepare, and consume them that matters. Instead of demonising entire food groups, focus on reducing processed junk and eating more nutrient-dense options.

Sure, cutting back on sugary snacks and fast food is excellent advice, but you don’t need to give up oatmeal or Greek yogurt to be healthy. Let’s leave the fear-mongering to the conspiracy theorists and enjoy the best of both worlds—modern and ancient.

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