Category: Evolutionary psychology

While animal species often rely on hardwired instincts to guide their diets, new research from Bristol University has examined whether humans possess a form of 'nutritional intelligence' that subconsciously guides our food choices. This body of research delves into the complex question: do humans instinctively know what to eat?

Historically, the consensus among many investigators has been that the function of sweet taste is to help organisms detect energy-rich foods, particularly those containing glucose. This innate attraction serves as a crucial survival mechanism, directing early humans and other animals towards valuable sources of calories in the natural world. However, modern research reveals a far more complex system at play, with sweet taste receptors and glucose sensors influencing metabolism across the entire body.