Category: Evolutionary science

Approximately 40 million years ago, a pivotal genetic mutation occurred in our primate ancestors, inactivating a key gene and setting the stage for one of the most significant metabolic differences between humans and most other mammals: our inability to produce vitamin C. This means that for our body to have this vital nutrient, we must consume it through food or supplements.

Around two million years ago, meat became a significant part of the human diet, a shift linked to increased brain size and complexity. So, are humans omnivores yes or no? Scientific consensus points to a clear answer rooted in our evolutionary history and biological makeup.

For over 3 million years, human ancestors have been consuming meat, a critical factor in our development, fueling our larger brains. This fact challenges the popular notion that humans are naturally herbivores, with overwhelming biological and archaeological evidence pointing towards an opportunistic omnivorous diet.

During a severe caloric deficit, the human body first depletes its glycogen reserves, a process that can take about 24 to 36 hours before shifting to stored fat for energy. This metabolic adaptation illustrates the powerful, innate survival mechanism that explains why body fat helps you survive in times of scarcity.