The notion that Neanderthals, our ancient cousins, lived on meat alone has been largely debunked by a new wave of research. Contrary to popular depictions, these extinct humans likely incorporated a range of foods into their diet beyond just meat.
According to scientists, Neanderthals' eating habits were far more complex than previously thought. By analyzing isotopes in ancient human remains and dental plaque, researchers have discovered that Neanderthals consumed not only fat but also other food sources such as bone marrow, pistachios, lentils, wild peas, and even plant sterols found in fossilized feces.
One study published earlier this year revealed that Neanderthals were hypercarnivores, with a diet rich in meat and bone marrow. However, a more recent analysis has suggested that these ancient humans may have eaten maggots or accidentally ingested rotting meat, which could have contributed to their unusually high nitrogen-15 levels.
However, scientists believe that Neanderthals' physiology would not have allowed for a purely meat-based diet similar to that of modern humans. They require a balanced mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to sustain themselves.
In order to meet this nutritional need, researchers think that Neanderthals might have engaged in creative behaviors such as consuming the stomach contents of their plant-eating prey or eating plants when available. Evidence suggests they ate legumes, acorns, pistachios, lentils, nuts, and grasses, depending on where they lived.
It is clear that our ancient ancestors were highly adaptable and resourceful when it came to accessing food sources in their environments. They varied their diets according to seasonality, location, and the availability of certain foods, often incorporating a range of plant-based options into their diet.
According to scientists, Neanderthals' eating habits were far more complex than previously thought. By analyzing isotopes in ancient human remains and dental plaque, researchers have discovered that Neanderthals consumed not only fat but also other food sources such as bone marrow, pistachios, lentils, wild peas, and even plant sterols found in fossilized feces.
One study published earlier this year revealed that Neanderthals were hypercarnivores, with a diet rich in meat and bone marrow. However, a more recent analysis has suggested that these ancient humans may have eaten maggots or accidentally ingested rotting meat, which could have contributed to their unusually high nitrogen-15 levels.
However, scientists believe that Neanderthals' physiology would not have allowed for a purely meat-based diet similar to that of modern humans. They require a balanced mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to sustain themselves.
In order to meet this nutritional need, researchers think that Neanderthals might have engaged in creative behaviors such as consuming the stomach contents of their plant-eating prey or eating plants when available. Evidence suggests they ate legumes, acorns, pistachios, lentils, nuts, and grasses, depending on where they lived.
It is clear that our ancient ancestors were highly adaptable and resourceful when it came to accessing food sources in their environments. They varied their diets according to seasonality, location, and the availability of certain foods, often incorporating a range of plant-based options into their diet.
, I mean, come on! The latest research shows they were actually pretty chill with veggies too 
. Like, pistachios and lentils? That's some next-level snacking right there 
. And don't even get me started on the whole maggot thing, I know it sounds gross but hey, at least they're eating something 
. Seriously though, it's crazy to think about how adaptable these guys were, adjusting their diet based on what was available. That's some survival skills right there 
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I mean, who knew our Neanderthal cousins were such foodies? It's kinda funny that they probably ate maggots or rotting meat too - sounds like they had some pretty wild food adventures! 
Anyway, it makes sense that they needed a balanced diet to survive, and it's awesome to see researchers showing us that they were super adaptable. I love how they varied their diets based on seasonality and location - totally gives me ideas for planning my next camping trip! 
these early humans had to be super clever to survive with the resources they had. it's like how us city folks have to get creative with our grocery shopping list 
i mean, imagine living in a cave and having to scrounge up food like that every day... no wonder we're always talking about the struggles of the past 
but seriously tho, it's cool to think that our ancestors were like the ultimate foragers 
I mean, I've always been fascinated by those dudes, but now it's like we're getting to know them better and they're not just one-dimensional meat-eaters anymore 
. And the part about them eating maggots or rotting meat? 
No wonder they didn't make it in the modern world, they'd be like a foodie gone wrong! But seriously, it's awesome that we're learning more about how our ancient ancestors lived and adapted to their environments. It's just another reminder of how complex and fascinating human history is 
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️ It's actually pretty cool that they mixed it up with other foods too... like pistachios and lentils! 
Seasonal, location-dependent... they adapted! 
i mean dont get me wrong, they probs did eat some meat but come on its not like they were all about burgers and steaks 
. im all for exploring new facts and stuff, but this is just another example of how our perception of the past can be so off base 
. scientists are like "oh we know better now" and suddenly neanderthals arent as caveman-like as we thought 
. anyway, its cool that they ate all sorts of stuff, including plants and legumes, who knew? 
and wild peas? that's wild! 
. I mean, come on, they ate pistachios and lentils too? That's like me having a stash of my fave snacks in my backpack at all times 
. And let's not forget those plant sterols in fossilized feces - talk about getting down to business 
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I'm not saying Neanderthals didn't know good food when they saw it, but all this new info is kinda blowing my mind. They were like the ultimate foragers, scavenging for whatever was available in their environment. And get this - they even ate plant sterols from fossilized poop! 
. I can imagine them scavenging for maggoty goodness or snagging a snack of acorns when the mood struck 
. And who knows, maybe they even had a stash of pistachios hidden away for a quick energy boost 
! It's crazy to think that our ancient ancestors were so resourceful and adaptable when it came to finding food 
!
but seriously, it's kinda cool that scientists can analyze ancient poop and dental plaque to figure out what our ancestors ate 
like, they probably had some crazy adaptations to deal with food scarcity in the wild. also, i love how they'd eat whatever they could find - maggoty meat or plant sterols 
who needs fancy restaurants when you've got a good ol' fashioned fossilized feces buffet? 
And the fact that they had to get creative with their diet because our physiology can't handle a super-meaty diet is soooo true. I mean, have you seen those ancient fossilized poop samples? 
It's clear these guys were like the original resourceful humans, adapting to whatever their environment threw at them. And it's awesome to see scientists finally busting out of the "meat-lovers" myth!