She Strengthens

The Meat of the Matter: Unpacking Human Nutrition

Evolutionary Roots

Are humans natural meat-eaters, or is switching to a plant-based diet safe and beneficial? The answer lies in our evolutionary history. While there’s evidence that being carnivorous in earlier stages of evolution helped us evolve into the species we are today, the question remains: Is consuming meat still necessary for us, and could it even be detrimental to our health?

Omnivorous by Nature

As omnivores, humans can consume both plants and meat. However, this alone doesn’t tell us much. Our closest genetic relatives, chimpanzees, provide a better understanding of what we’re supposed to eat naturally. In the wild, chimps primarily consume seeds, fruits, leaves, bark, honey, flowers, insects, and occasionally, other animals. Meat isn’t a massive part of their diet, but it does play a small role as an occasional food source.

The Rise of Meat Consumption

Looking at our evolutionary history, it’s clear that we increased our meat consumption at some point. An important perspective to consider is whether we were herbivores who started eating meat or carnivores who discovered the joys of fruits and veggies. The answer lies in our plant-munching primate past. We evolved a taste for meat around 2.6 million years ago, but it’s essential to note that we didn’t become Homo sapiens until about 300,000 years ago. So, while we may have started as herbivores, our species has always been omnivorous.

Cooking Meat: A Game-Changer

Cooking meat was a significant evolutionary leap. The first recorded instance of cooking dates back to around 700,000 to 800,000 years ago. Cooking increases the energy we can gain from meat, which was a crucial factor in Homo sapiens’ evolutionary success. We’ve had a good million and a half years to evolve while cooked meat has been on the menu.

Digesting Meat

The argument that humans can’t digest meat is a myth. Our digestive system produces enzymes that exist solely for digesting proteins and fats found in meat. Bile production in the gallbladder also supports the digestion and absorption of animal fats. We digest meat the same way we digest other foods, using different tools for different fuels.

The Argument Against Meat

While we’ve presented arguments from the pro-meat side, there are valid reasons why some people argue against human meat-eating. Many nutrients gained from meat are readily available in plants, and a plant-based diet may have significant health benefits, such as reducing the risk of diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions. However, not all studies show the same results, and more research is necessary to firmly take a stance.

Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

Some studies have shown that individuals on a vegetarian or vegan diet are at lower risk of various health conditions. Plant-based diets may also improve kidney function and male fertility. However, it’s essential to note that we don’t eat the same kind of meat as our ancient ancestors, and processed meats are a significant concern.

Reasons to Eat Meat

While our ancestors eating meat played a huge part in our evolution, do we still need it? Meat gets a bad rep, but there aren’t many scientifically-backed reasons to avoid it entirely. Most meat remains a great source of proteins, essential salts, fats, and minerals. So long as it’s not heavily processed and doesn’t dominate your plate, continuing to eat meat as part of a balanced diet is still healthy for modern humans.

Health Risks of Veganism and Vegetarianism

The main reason humans should continue eating meat is that, for some individuals, plant-based diets require careful management to avoid nutrient deficiencies. Protein and vitamin B-12 deficiencies are two key risks of a plant-based diet. Iron, calcium, vitamin D, and fatty acids are other nutrients that can come up short. However, there are plenty of meat-free alternatives available with careful dietary planning.

The Verdict

The question of human meat-eating biology is a complex and disputed topic. While there’s strong evidence on both sides, the jury is still out. Humans can digest meat, and it’s not inherently unhealthy when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Ultimately, the choice between a plant-based or omnivorous diet depends on individual ethics, lifestyle, and nutritional needs.