On Wed, 20 Feb 2002 08:47:47 -0600, Jim Swayze <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>Here's what I cannot understand.  If the makeup of the fats we consume is
>of primary importance, rather than a nice next step to the paleo eater
>wanting to even further improve one's health, how on earth have my blood
>cholesterol levels gone from barely tolerable to excellent during the same
>time period that I've increased my consumption of fat, primarily in the
>form of grainfed beef fat and the grease from uncured bacon, five-fold?  If
>Omega ratios are of primary importance, I shouldn't be healthy, should I?

>And my feeling is that, say, 90% of the benefits of
>paleo eating can be gained by simply eliminating grains, dairy, etc and not
>worrying about fat.

Here's the attempt of explanation from the usual advocatus diaboli :-)

First, omega ratios are influenced to the bad side mostly by high LA fats
(safflor sunflower). If you cut back or eliminate them you've got the most
drastic difference in the EFA-ratio.
Cutting out margarine (and "shortenings" and potatoe chips) with are made
including trans-fats is even more important.
Trans fats are poisons for all EFA-effects.

Commercial meat's omega ratios aren't ok, but they are not that bad.
So that are the good news for you.

If cutting out "grains" (probably sugars and white flour products) and dairy
out helps efficiently, then you probably have (had):
(1).insulin resistance - the first step to diabetes.
 High insulin levels block all omega ratio benefits. That's even more
 important than the ratio alone. So, if you switched to fat from carbos
 that will help you very much (through the lower insulin levels).
(2).more or less allergy problems with cereal protein, gluten and dairy.
 Such (hidden) allergies will mess up a lot of things.
 In the last time I repeatedly see people with a rather red skin.
 They won't know, but probably have a food sensitivity.

You measured your health with your cholesterol level only.
But there may be a lot of other important factors,
which are more of the long term.
On the long term proper omega-3/6 ratios would be more important.
And I think a proper EFA-Fat percentage as well (my own view).
The control of cancer/imune problems is involved with them.
So, on the long term I think it would be wise to fine-tune the fat intake.
Some flax-oil or hemp could be the key, I think.

Cheers and good health

Amadeus S.