EmbeddingGemma 2: an open, lightweight multimodal embedding model
deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
Hacker News·Aug 22·5 min read
Early Humans Likely Ate Carbs and Sugary Foods
TL;DR
Early humans likely consumed significant amounts of carbohydrates and sugars, which contributed to the development of their large brains. A study reveals that sugary fruits and starches provided a substantial portion of early human energy intake.
✦ Why It Matters
Consider incorporating more carbohydrate-rich foods into your diet for better cognitive function.
Key Takeaways
- Explore diverse food sources for optimal brain health.
- Incorporate more fruits and starches into your meals.
- Understand the role of glucose in brain function.
- Balance protein intake with carbohydrates for energy.
Full Summary
Humans have evolved to possess larger brains compared to other primates, with modern Homo sapiens having brains weighing around 1,500 grams. While previous theories emphasized the role of meat and cooking in brain development, a new study led by Jennie Brand-Miller highlights the importance of carbohydrates and sugars in early human diets.
The research indicates that sugary fruits and honey contributed 20 to 35 percent of energy intake, while starches accounted for another 25 percent. In contrast, proteins made up less than 20 percent of dietary energy.
Brand-Miller emphasizes that while meat is energy-dense, the brain's neurons primarily rely on glucose, underscoring the need for a diverse diet to support brain function.