Compared to all other living beings, humans have an enormous brain that can process countless pieces of information and solve complex tasks. But how did the human brain develop differently from that of our relatives?
The answer lies in the past; diet plays an important role, among other things.
2 or 3 million years ago, humans began to eat meat, as well as plants and fruits. Meat has a high nutrient density with proteins and fats, and at that time, it provided people with important energy that favored their physical and mental development.
According to a research group from Harvard University, our tools for mincing meat were crucial when it came to eating meat. Small, bite-sized pieces saved people many chewing movements and, therefore, an enormous amount of energy and time. This led to an additional surplus of nutrients, which supported brain growth.
The adapted food intake also changed human anatomy: large teeth and strong chewing muscles became superfluous over time. This, in turn, created enough space for the large and complex brain.
Humans took another decisive step towards increasing food quality: cooking with fire. Cooked food is, on the one hand, softer and easier to chew, and on the other hand, it gives us more energy. This further promotes brain growth.
So, our basic diet has been proven over millions of years. Presumably, without meat consumption, humans would never have developed so progressively. Even today, meat still provides the body with important nutrients and minerals.