The meat-eating hypothesis challenges the idea that early humans were vegetarian, with some scientists pointing to the enzymes found in saliva that could break down starches. However, other research suggests that cooking could have been responsible for this shift in diet, and even the scientist who originally proposed the meat-eating hypothesis questions the effectiveness of the paleo diet.
The consumption of meat played a vital role in the evolution of human species by providing excess calories needed for a larger brain as it has much more calories. This allowed Homo erectus to thrive and evolve as a species without the need for as many gut layers to break down root fibers and other vegetation.
The hypothesis that early humans primarily consumed meat is being challenged by recent research on the enzymes and cooking habits of our ancestors.
This episode explores the connection between the popularity of carnivore diets, Jordan Peterson's philosophy, and the societal belief in social constructs, noting that all three appeal to a narrative rather than facts.