Primal Primer 10 (Nutrition)
As our progenitor species transitioned from aboral and quadruped, diets also shifted from primarily bugs, fruits, and vegetation to heavier concentrations of animal sources. Introducing a more protein forward dietary landscape continues to provide many benefits that affect the sapien’s mind, body, and culture to this very day.
- Energy Dense – Animal sources of protein are rich in essential amino acids which are not made by the body and are crucial for brain development. Consuming more energy dense foods supports the growth of larger and more complex brains.
- Encephalization – Shifting towards higher protein diet is b believed to support increased brain sizes relative to body size; and likely key factor in cognitive abilities that distinguish homo sapien from other species of human.
- Muscle & Bone Development – Proteins support strong muscles and bones. enabling early humans to engage in physically demanding actives such as hunting, gathering, and warfare.
- Endurance & Strength – The ability to maintain muscle mass and physical endurance is crucial for thriving and surviving in new lands and ecosystems; as traveling long distance requires significant strength and stamina.
- Hunting & Cooperation – The pursuit of protein rich foods promoted the development of cooperative hunting strategies (scalable depending on coordination of participants). The success of these risky activities further solidified close social bonds along with complex communication.
- Cooking & Food Sharing – The advent of cooking food increases nutritional value of protein, while also playing a role in social structures as food sharing is a central aspect of human communities.
- Evolution – Adequate protein consumption is essential for growth, reproduction, and health of early humans. Populations with access to reliable sources of protein were more likely to thrive and pass on genes coding for this activity’s success.
- Adaptation To Environment – Our migration out of Africa depended on our ability to successfully exploit various protein sources where animal based protein is common resource of earth.
Consume Animal Proteins
Proteins are the most abundant organic molecule in the body. Once aminos are strung and folded in shape, they act as enzymes, hormones, transport, structure, and storage. Consume the most natural and bioavailable sources of protein every day (not all protein is created equal). Protein also touts the highest thermic effect of all macros; (20-30%) compared to carbs (5-10%) and fat (0-3%). Assuming a thermic effect of 30% for protein, 100 calories of protein nets 70 calories.
~Cave Implementation~
Fuel with muscle meats and organs (organic and grass fed if possible). Animal flesh contains the perfect composition of essential amino acids while being the most efficient in translation: >95% protein being bioavailable. Although plant proteins are a decent source, they are not as efficient in bioavailability: translating ~60-70%, and incomplete in amino acid composition (fiber renders aminos non-extractable). Aim for .8g – 2g per lb body weight everyday. Scale to age and activity.
Protein Consumption Is The Cornerstone To Human Evolution.
