In a study published this month in the peer-reviewed journal PloS One, researchers have discovered that early humans were regular meat eaters. Studying what they believe is a child’s human skull dating from approximately 1.5 million years ago, researchers from the University of Colorado Denver have found that the child suffered from anemia related to insufficient B vitamins, which are derived from protein.
Vital Nutrients Necessary
Protein contains necessary vitamins and minerals for healthy functioning of muscles and brain tissue. Early humans actively hunted meat sources for these vital nutrients. They also probably benefited from vitamin B, which provides energy and strength for muscle fibers, including heart muscle.
Researchers of the study stated that the human skull examined was from a child approximately two years old and showed signs of porotic hyperostosis which is associated with anemia. According to Dr. Charles Musiba of the University of Colorado, “at least in the early Pleistocene, meat had become so essential to proper hominin functioning that its paucity or lack led to deleterious pathological conditions.” He goes further to suggest, “we have only scratched the surface in our understanding of nutrition and health in ancestral populations of the deep past.”
Although our early ancestors depended largely on meat for their source of protein, our options are larger. Not only can we choose from commercially produced meets, we also have the option of healthier lean organic meat sources, which are likely closer to ancestral protein sources. We also have many other options, including legumes, soy and nuts to choose to make sure we get enough protein in our diet.
Even with ancient humans, we now see evidence of the effects of malnutrition and eating a diet that is out of balance. In today’s world, we have many choices for food. By eating consciously, we can eat foods organically produced that provide us with the vital nutrients necessary for us to thrive. In addition to healthy lean protein, we also need a wide array of vitamins and minerals that come from whole grains and brightly colored fruits and vegetables.
Have you tried diets like the Paleo Diet or High Protein Diets? How have they worked out for you?
– The Alternative Daily
