Tag: Human diet evolution

Evidence from archaeology and genetics confirms that for millions of years, human ancestors ate a varied diet of wild plants and animals. This has led many to question: what are humans naturally designed to eat, and has our modern diet deviated too far from our evolutionary roots?

While many primates, such as gorillas, are predominantly herbivores, extensive scientific evidence from anatomy, archaeology, and genetics confirms that humans are not designed to be herbivores but have evolved as omnivores. This exploration will challenge the misconception that our bodies are naturally suited only for a plant-based diet.

Recent isotopic analysis of ancient tooth enamel suggests that our early hominin ancestors, the Australopithecus, were overwhelmingly vegetarian, thriving primarily on plants. This surprising fact provides new context for the question: were humans originally plant-based?

Historically, human ancestors were primarily plant-based, with some studies suggesting that before the advent of fire, up to 95% of calories came from plants. But is the human body vegan by design? Modern humans are physiologically classified as omnivores, capable of digesting both plant and animal matter.