Evolution of the Human Diet - Ann Gibbons

An epidemic of obesity, diabetes and other diet-related ailments currently afflicts the Western world at unprecedented rates. To try to cure our dependence on processed foods high in salt and sugar, Ann Gibbons looked to our human ancestors to try to learn of the ideal daily sustenance for humans. Some of her lessons include too much or a complete lack of meat might not be ideal; a more diverse "hunter-gatherer" style of diet is better than a less diverse wheat-centric diet; and an active lifestyle is necessary to maintain a healthy body. Gibbons' article "The Evolution of Diet" appears in the September 2014 issue of National Geographic magazine.