Category: Prehistoric diet

The earliest evidence for hominin meat consumption using tools dates back 3.4 million years ago, indicating an important dietary transition. But before this, what were the first foods eaten by humans and their hominid predecessors, and how did these choices shape our evolution?

Recent analysis of Neanderthal dental calculus revealed a diverse diet including plants like date palms, legumes, and seeds, challenging the simplistic portrayal of a raw, meat-heavy menu. To truly understand what did early humans eat for lunch, one must look at the highly adaptable and geographically varied diets of our prehistoric ancestors.

Paleolithic humans consumed significantly less sodium than modern humans, with estimates suggesting daily intake was often below 1 gram. Cavemen and early hunter-gatherer societies acquired this essential nutrient from a variety of natural sources, including the meat and blood of animals, seafood, and natural salt deposits. Their ancient diet and lifestyle allowed for a healthy balance without the need for the high levels of salt we consume today.