A new analysis of cavemen remains found they ate a lot of plant protein - Media Credit: frantic / Alamy Stock Photo
While many think our ancestors ate mostly meat, evidence suggests they mainly consumed plants.
A recent study found plants, not meat, were key protein sources for ancient Moroccan hunter-gatherers. Scientists analyzed molecules in buried bones, revealing a diverse diet of wild plants. These early humans, from 13,000 to 15,000 years ago, consumed various plant species.
The researchers discovered evidence of animal butchering, indicating some meat consumption. However, plants were more significant in their diets than commonly thought. The study, led by Max Planck Institute researchers, strongly affirms a substantial plant-based dietary component among these hunter-gatherers.
Paleolithic humans would have eaten plants including acorns. Africa Studio – stock.adobe.com
Challenging the meat narrative
Researchers suggest pre-agricultural humans didn't heavily rely on animal proteins, challenging previous beliefs. Traditional views of high meat consumption during hunting-gathering are being contested by recent studies.
Max Planck scientists suggest our ancestors favored meat due to poor preservation of plant evidence. Meat consumption masks plant traces in molecule analysis. Settlement sites often yield animal bones, overshadowing plant remnants.
A new study showed Peruvian Andes hunter-gatherers mainly ate wild potatoes and root veggies, about 80% of their diet.
