Carbohydrates Function: The Origin Of Human Affinity For Carbohydrates Discovered
Carbohydrates Function: Genomic analysis reveals that ancient humans had a gene around 800,000 years ago that helped break down starch into simpler sugars.
According to new research, the ancient human affinity for carbohydrates may date back to long before modern humans emerged as a distinct species.
Carbohydrates Function, As reported by CNN, recent archaeological evidence has challenged the widely held belief that ancient humans relied primarily on a meat-based diet for brain growth and evolution. Studies on bacteria found in the teeth of ancient humans suggest that humans had an interest in carbohydrates long before.
In the latest study, scientists examined the evolution of a gene that helps humans break down starch into simple, digestible sugars to provide energy. The findings revealed that these genes multiplied long before the advent of agriculture.
Carbohydrates Function, This genetic expansion may date back hundreds of thousands of years, long before our species (Homo sapiens) or even Neanderthals emerged as distinct human lineages.
Researchers from the University of Buffalo in New York analyzed the genomes of 68 ancient humans. Their focus was on the AMY1 gene, which enables humans to detect complex carbohydrate starches and break them down in the mouth with the enzyme amylase. Without this enzyme, humans would not be able to digest foods like potatoes, pasta, rice, or bread.
Carbohydrates Function
Today, humans have multiple copies of this gene, and the number varies from person to person. However, understanding how and when these genes multiplied has been a challenge for geneticists.
Carbohydrates Function, The University of Buffalo researchers turned to ancient genomes. They found that the hunter-gatherer humans, who lived 45,000 years ago before the agricultural era, had an average of four to eight copies of this gene. This indicates that modern humans had an affinity for starch long before the dawn of agriculture.
The study also showed that the AMY1 gene had multiplied in the genomes of Neanderthals and Denisovans. This suggests that ancient humans had one copy of this gene about 800,000 years ago.
Carbohydrates Function, It remains unclear exactly when this initial gene multiplication occurred, but it was likely accidental. Having more than one copy of this gene provided a genetic advantage, allowing humans to adapt to new diets, especially starch-rich foods.
The study also revealed that the number of AMY1 gene copies in humans has significantly increased over the past 4,000 years, likely due to natural selection and adaptation to starch-rich diets as humans transitioned from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to farming and grain cultivation.
Carbohydrates Function, Additionally, these new findings strengthen the theory that carbohydrates, not protein, provided the necessary energy for the brain’s expansion over time, contrary to previous beliefs.
Also Read:
Autumn Veggies: The Nutritional Bounty of Seasonal Vegetables
The 7 Health Benefits Of Vitamin C For Fall: Boosting Immunity And Wellness
