This document summarizes key points from a presentation given by Dr. Mathieu P. Lalonde on the paleo diet from an organic chemist's perspective. The presentation cautions against making invalid inferences when interpreting observational data on ancestral diets. Specifically, it notes that just because ancestral populations consumed certain foods does not necessarily mean emulating those diets will lead to health benefits. A variety of factors need to be considered, including individual variability and our ability to adapt to new foods introduced after the agricultural revolution.