How Much Meat Did Ancient People Eat Compared to People Now

Introduction

Humans have been apex predators for around 2.5 million years. Our ancestral roots are deeply intertwined with a meat-centric diet. However, with the advent of agriculture roughly 10,000 years ago, how our diets have shifted has been a topic of great interest. This article explores how much meat ancient people consumed compared to the modern era.

Historical Context and Meat Consumption

For millions of years, humans were predominantly carnivorous. Our ability to survive as omnivores was a significant adaptation that allowed us to thrive in a variety of environments. However, the shift in agricultural practices has altered our diet significantly.

While early humans relied heavily on meat, the specific amount consumed varied widely based on time and location. However, generally speaking, ancient people ate a higher proportion of meat in their diets compared to modern diets. For example, in the 1800s, the average American consumed up to twice the amount of meat as a modern adult does today. This trend is evident in many parts of the world as societies have reached greater economic affluence and moved away from starvation.

Malnutrition and Diets in the Past

It is important to note that while early humans consumed a significant amount of meat, malnutrition was also a rampant issue. For instance, in Britain during World War II, the only rationed food was food that could be grown at home, such as fresh vegetables. However, these periods of malnutrition were not solely due to a lack of meat but also due to the overall nutritional diversity and access to varied food sources.

Some populations, like the American Indians and Eskimos, were known to consume a significantly higher amount of meat. The American Indians, for example, were largely nomadic and relied on hunting, which naturally provided a meat-heavy diet. Similarly, the Eskimos, located in the Arctic, consumed a diet consisting primarily of meat and fish, adapted to their harsh and cold environment.

Modern Trends and Meat Consumption

It is clear that modern diets have shifted towards a more plant-based approach in many parts of the world. This trend is driven by a variety of factors including health concerns, environmental sustainability, and economic affluence. A graphic from recent data shows a nearly doubling of meat consumption per capita from 1961 to 2020. Industrial animal farming and rising affluence are key contributors to this trend.

While ancient diets were rich in a variety of meat products such as kidneys, brains, tongues, livers, hearts, and fat, modern diets have shifted towards more diverse and processed foods. This does not mean that the past was solely meat-based; it reflects the adaptability of human diets to different environmental and cultural contexts.

Conclusion

Overall, ancient people consumed a much higher proportion of meat in their diets compared to people now, especially in pre-agricultural times. However, this doesn't mean that they were exclusively carnivorous. The diet of ancient people varied widely depending on the time period and location. Modern diets reflect a shift towards a more balanced, plant-based approach, influenced by a variety of factors including economic growth and health awareness.