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MATA INDONESIA, JAKARTA – A new study examining the history of the human oral microbiome suggests that human ancient have consumed carbohydrate since 100 thousand years ago. This was stated by a researcher from Harvard University, Christina Warinner.
“We’re seeing evidence of very ancient behavior that may be part of the encephalization or growth of the human brain,” says Christina.
This is also evidence that foods in the form of roots, starchy vegetables and whole grains can be used by early humans.
The findings are part of a seven-year study involving the collaboration of more than 50 international scientists. They reconstructed the oral microbiome of Neanderthal, primate, and human species, including the 100,000 year old Neanderthals believed to be the oldest oral microbiome ever sequenced.
The researchers were shocked when they analyzed the fossil dental plaque of modern humans and Neanderthals and then compared it to chimpanzees and gorillas. This is due to the finding of a strain of oral bacteria that is specially adapted to break down starch.
Meanwhile, this bacterium is a Streptococcus genus which has the unique ability to capture starch digesting enzymes from human saliva. However, the genetics they use to do this is only active when starch is a regular part of the diet.
In addition, researchers also put forward the finding that the human brain needs glucose as a source of nutrition, so meat is not enough. So foods such as tubers, nuts, and seeds are important and reliable sources of nutrients.
“Availability is much more predictable throughout the annual tropical season in times of hunting and gathering,” said Harvard study co-authors Richard Wrangham and Ruth B. Moore.
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