A recent study sheds light on the ancient origins of humans’ affinity for carbohydrates. The findings indicate a long-standing evolution towards starch-rich diets.
Genetic analysis and archaeological evidence suggest that our ancestors favoured carbohydrates much earlier than previously thought.
The prevailing image of ancient humans as primarily meat-eaters is increasingly being revised. Recent archaeological evidence has pointed towards early humans developing a penchant for carbohydrates, particularly starch-rich foods. This revelation was made possible by analysing bacteria in dental remains, which indicated roasted tubers and other starch-heavy items in the diet of our ancestors.
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Science, scientists have uncovered genetic evidence supporting early carbohydrate consumption. The focus was on the AMY1 gene, crucial for starch digestion. Researchers highlight that this gene duplication may have preceded the emergence of Homo sapiens and even Neanderthals, dating back over hundreds of thousands of years.
The AMY1 gene assists in breaking down starches into sugars in the mouth, facilitated by the enzyme amylase. Without this gene, digesting foods like bread, rice, and potatoes would be challenging. Analysis of ancient genomes revealed that Neanderthals and Denisovans also carried multiple AMY1 copies, pointing towards a shared ancestral trait, suggesting early human lineages benefited from starch consumption.
The study suggests that the presence of multiple AMY1 copies offered a genetic advantage, helping humans adapt to diets as they migrated into diverse environments. Notably, this gene duplication likely became beneficial during the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agrarian lifestyles, where starch-rich foods became prevalent.
According to external experts, the study offers compelling evidence of how humans evolved to metabolise starches, potentially driving the energy demands of a growing brain. It challenges the protein-centric view of brain evolution, proposing that carbohydrates provided the crucial energy boost needed for cognitive development.
Experts advocate for further research using high-quality ancient genomes to confirm findings. The capability to detect multiple amylase gene copies in Neanderthal and Denisovan samples underscores the significance of ancestral genome studies. This approach can uncover vital insights into dietary shifts and evolutionary milestones.
The study underscores the significance of starch consumption in human evolution, offering a fresh perspective on dietary adaptations. It suggests that carbohydrates might have played a pivotal role in driving brain development and highlights the potential of genetic research in tracing humanity’s dietary journey.
The study highlights the crucial role carbohydrates played in human evolution, providing new insights into dietary adaptations and cognitive development.
Genetic research continues to uncover the complex history of human diets, with carbohydrates playing a significant role in shaping our evolutionary path.
