The Shift to High-Carb Crops: Why Humans Abandoned Optimal Foods
From the high-energy and high-nutrient dense fatty animal foods of the Paleolithic period, to the reliance on starchy crops in modern times, this article delves into why humans transitioned away from their original, most optimal food sources. This shift not only affected the human body but also transformed society in profound ways.
Introduction to the Evolution of Human Diet
Throughout human history, our diet has shifted significantly from its origins in the Paleolithic era. While at first mankind thrived on fatty animal foods, over time, a substantial shift occurred towards high-carb crops. This dramatic change was not driven by a simple desire for calories but by the extinction of large animal species, leading humans to adapt to new dietary sources.
The Loss of Megafauna: A Turning Point in Human Diet
One of the primary reasons for this shift towards high-carbohydrate crops is the extinction of megafauna—large animal species such as giant sloths, mammoths, and mastodons. These animals were rich in fat and highly nutritious, providing a consistent supply of high-caloric and nutrient-dense foods. The extinction of megafauna, driven by climate change and overhunting, forced early humans to search for alternative sources of nutrition.
Adaptation to Smaller Game and Plant Foods
With the disappearance of megafauna, humans were compelled to rely on smaller, leaner game and more plant-based foods. This dietary shift led to a significant decrease in the availability of easily accessible calories and essential micronutrients. Consequently, the agricultural revolution soon followed, marking a major transformation in human nutrition and societal structure.
Impact on Human Health and Society
The agricultural revolution had far-reaching effects on both the human body and society. One of the most notable changes was a reduction in human stature and skull size. While modern Western populations have regained much of their Paleolithic physical characteristics, agricultural health issues such as malnutrition, stunted growth, and ill health persist.
Changes in Hunting Practices and Individualism
Another significant change was the evolution in hunting practices. Megafauna hunters often involved the entire tribe, including women. However, as humans turned to smaller game, the invention of the bow and arrow made hunting more individualized, fostering increasing individualism. Alongside these shifts, the specialization of work, a hallmark of modern human society, began to take shape.
No Examples of Non-Specialization in Modern Hunter-Gatherers
Notably, there are no examples of non-specialization among modern hunter-gatherer societies. Furthermore, even the simplest of contemporary tribes often engage in some form of horticulture, indicating the continued importance of plant-based foods in human survival.
The Persistence of Fatty Animal Foods
While fatty animal foods remained a central part of the human diet up until the 1930s, there were significant changes over time. Industrial seed oils began to replace animal fats as the primary source of fatty acids in the early to mid-20th century. However, the first dependable surplus yields of wheat in the early 19th century were initially used to fatten livestock.
Retraction to Plant-Based Feeds
Similarly, Okinawan sweet potatoes were often used to fatten up pigs before the World War II decimation of the pig population. Starchy plant foods, being energy-dense, served as a great feedstock for animals, generating more energy-dense meat and animal fat. Thus, agriculture has never been solely about plant foods for human consumption.
Conclusion
The shift towards high-carb crops marks a pivotal moment in human history, driven by the extinction of megafauna and the necessity to adapt to new sources of nutrition. This transition not only changed the human body but also influenced societal structures and work specialization. Understanding this historical context is crucial for comprehending the ongoing debate around optimal human nutrition.