Diets and Evolution

by patio34 3 Replies latest social physical

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  patio34

  Since I've been reading up on that formerly forbidden subject of evolution, it occurs to me that my ideas on diet have been wrong. Too.

  Here's my idea: All early human societies were of the hunter-gatherer type. Now this probably means they ate a lot of meat. According to 'The 3rd Chimpanzee' by Jared Diamond, the early people who came to N and S America decimated the animal population by 73% and 78% respectively because of over-hunting. That's a lot of meat-eating!

  Now, deducing our earliest ancestors were of the eat-a-lot-of-meat types, is that why the 'high-protein' diets of today work so well?

  Even when our ancestors were farmers, they still kept a lot of livestock for eating.

  So, is being a vegetarian (which I was--right before I got cancer!!) that natural for us if we evolved from humans that were heavy meat-eaters. They were also gatherers, but maybe meat was their mainstay. How much could you gather in the winter?

  Any rebuttals or comments?

  Pat
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  Scorpion

  patio34,

  Sorry to hear about you getting cancer. Are you going through treatment or have you been treated?

  I eat meat, I eat vegetables, I eat what I want. I excercise everyday and I also have a beer or two once in awhile as well as a glass or two of wine. I am 43 years old, over 6 foot tall and weigh 178. I feel and look in very good shape. I know of people who have smoked and drinked for years and are still kicking and doing well. I also knew of some who died in their early 30s and late 40s who were in great shape and watched just about every thing they ate and did so as to stay in top shape.

  I am not sure why some get cancer or other diseases and some do not. It might be the make up of our bodies and what we are exposed to in life. Are you sure being a vegetarian contributed to you getting cancer?
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  patio34

  Hi Scorpion,

  Oh no--I didn't think being a vegetarian caused cancer, I meant DESPITE being a vegetarian!

  I had the cancer 2 years ago and have been thru the treatment. My chances are very good at not getting it again--about 75%. Probably almost as good as if I'd never had it!

  It seems to be pretty established that eating lots of veggies, etc. is good for you. Just some get cancer. I didn't smoke, drink alcohol, and exercised regularly. As one of my workmates commented "If Pat can get it, anyone can."

  I have been overweight on and off and that's a risk factor. Now, I'd like to lose the extra weight in the interest of good health.

  You seem fortunate to not have to watch much and stay within a healthy range. Are you a male? Men have a much easier time, I've observed. Another fellow at work just gave up beer, added fiber to his diet and lost 25 lbs. Poof!

  Pat
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  Scorpion

  patio34,

  I am glad to hear you had treatment and the chances of you getting cancer again is very slim. It must be scary to be diagnosed with cancer.

  My wife had breast cancer years ago. This was before I met her. The DRs wanted to remove one of her breasts and she said no dice. She had a lumpectomy and had a few radiation treatments and has been fine ever since. I am glad she did not have her breast removed and she is too. She is very well endowed in the breast area.

  As you know now, I am male. I do not know if I could give up beer like your co-worker did. I think I will stick to swimming, running and boxing as well as Basketball and football to keep the weight in check. Of course with me being 43, I play touch football now. I don't heal as fast as when I was 15 years younger. Actually today I think I look in better shape than when I was younger. I am just losing the stamina I used to have. I am also losing some of my hair.