Healthy Eating and the Genetic Burden of Our Ancestors

Instincts in Eating

Why do you know healthy eating is good but still can’t resist the tempting aroma of pizza or the refreshing chill of a soda? The answer lies not only in the present but also in the evolutionary history of humanity spanning hundreds of thousands of years. What our ancestors chose to eat for survival deeply influences our behaviors today.

Primitive Instincts and Modern Life

Turn back time to the era of hunting and gathering, when Homo sapiens roamed savannahs and ancient forests. Food was scarce, and finding it was a battle for survival. In this environment, the human body and brain evolved to prioritize high-energy foods like fat and sugar, as they provided quick calories vital for survival.

However, this behavior has become the "villain" in today’s modern world. You no longer need to hunt or forage—just open your phone and order food. High-energy foods are not only easily accessible but are also designed to maximize appeal, from their aroma and sweetness to their crunchy texture. This makes it nearly impossible for the brain, pre-programmed to "love" such foods, to resist.

Adding to this, the agricultural revolution—a pivotal moment in human history—brought about food abundance but also drastically altered our diets. Homo sapiens, who once thrived on a varied omnivorous diet, began relying on staple crops like wheat and rice, which are lower in fiber and nutrients than the diverse foods of the foraging era. This not only impacted health but also weakened the natural bond between humans and their food.

As Yuval Noah Harari wrote in Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind:

“The Agricultural Revolution was a deal between humans and plants. It was plants that domesticated us, rather than the other way around.”

In this process, humanity gradually lost its connection to the body’s true nutritional needs.

A Pharmacist’s Perspective: Understanding the Brain to Change Eating Behaviors

Modern scientific research has identified the clash between primitive instincts and modern life as the core reason why maintaining healthy eating habits is so challenging.

1. The Brain and Dopamine :Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of "reward," is strongly activated when consuming sugary or fatty foods. According to Dr. Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist, every time you indulge in fast food, your brain reinforces this habit. However, overconsumption of processed foods harms long-term health, affecting gut bacteria, mood, and leading to leptin resistance, which causes weight gain.

2. Evolutionary Psychology

In the primitive environment, humans never knew when their next meal would come, leading to the instinct to "eat whenever possible." In today’s era of food abundance, this instinct contributes to overeating.

3. Environmental Influence

The booming food industry exploits these vulnerabilities to the fullest. Products like snacks, sweets, and sodas are designed not only to taste good but to be "addictive."

4. Modern Lifestyle

Busy schedules, stress, and sedentary habits drive people toward convenient but unhealthy choices. Research from Harvard shows that prolonged stress increases cortisol levels, a hormone that

Solutions From Science and History - Adopt Slow Eating Habits: Return to natural eating practices—chew slowly and savor each bite. This allows the brain time to recognize when you’re full. - Prioritize Whole, Natural Foods: Consume more vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and quality proteins, mimicking the diets of Homo sapiens before the agricultural era. - Minimize Processed Foods: Avoid foods with added sugars and artificial fats, which don’t exist in nature.

Understanding that our eating behaviors are an inheritance from evolutionary history can help us face today’s challenges with ease. Remember, healthy eating is not a battle against yourself—it’s a journey to reconnect with what’s most natural for your body.

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." – George Santayana

Happy Body to You!

If you have your own story or perspective on the journey to healthy eating, we’d love to hear it in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article to spread positivity and awareness!

References

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

• Soda is bad for you yet your body wants it. Why? – The Harvard Gazette