Is Eating Meat Make Us Smart?
Is Eating Meat Make Us Smart?
It's as natural for us to eat meat as standing upright. According to evolutionary theory, the answer is that eating meat can make our brains larger and have allowed us to become sharp and to use our own words in "extraordinary" way.
If you've been eating excellent meat for a long time, you're probably aware of the brain fog or lethargy that can occur when you don't consume meat for an extended period. This phenomenon has scientific explanations, and meat consumption has improved cognitive performance[1].
When obtained directly from nature, our systems can effectively absorb minerals and vitamins in their most bio-available forms. It's easy to get these brain-boosting elements from meat, especially red meat.
Our brains are enormous energy hogs. The operation of these supercomputers consumes a significant amount of fuel. The evolution of the human race is discussed in this article to the meals that our predecessors consumed.
Story Behind Eating Meat Make Us Smart
The earliest members of our family tree consumed uncooked foods such as fruit, leaves, nuts, roots, underground tubers, and berries. Because the calories in these items are relatively low, the individuals require massive digestive systems to consume sufficient quantities of food to ensure survival. However, having a large stomach does come with certain disadvantages.
Researchers believe that when early humans started consuming high in energy meat, their brains flourished and become larger while their intestines responded to this change and decreased. With all of its protein, calories, and fat, meat was essential to developing their brains, which led to our species' evolution[2].
Eating meat makes us smart and supplies our developing brains with the necessary calories, a significant caloric deficit-reducing effect. It is exceedingly complex for the body to chew and digest raw meat, so when early people learn how to prepare their food, they require less energy and more calories to fuel the brain. Cooking the food also significantly reduced the number of germs and bacteria present.
Therefore, the consumption of meat contributed to the development of the human species into a more sophisticated and civilized society. The act of cooking resulted in additional cognitive and physical benefits for us.
How Does Eating Meat Make Us Smart?
Because we no longer required a massive vegetable processor, our storage space in the basement decreased as we acquired more. Our bodies can devote more energy to other activities, such as expanding our brains. Sorry to break it to you vegetarians, but consuming meat made our ancestors more intelligent, at least smart enough to develop better tools, which led to other improvements in the long run [3].
Why Is It Important That Eating Meat Make Us Smart?
Researchers in science believe that the discovery of meat was the catalyst for expanding human brain size. Today's people have larger brains but more miniature tooth sizes than our ancient forebears. Some researchers in the scientific community believe that eating meat is responsible for man's evolution [4].
These results do not disprove that consuming excessive red meat can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and dying earlier. As with everything else, practicing moderation is essential to leading a healthy lifestyle. Some cuts of red meat have lower levels of unhealthy saturated fat that can contribute to heart disease. The nutrients in meat are necessary for developing strong muscles, bones, skin, and brainpower in humans.
In addition to the health benefits of red meat for children, studies have shown that women who consume beef regularly have a significantly reduced risk of developing a major depressive disorder. Yes! We can benefit cognitively by eating red meat. A study found that women who ate less meat (2.2-3.5 ounces of meat 3-4 times a week) were found to have a depression diagnosis at a rate that was twice as high as women who consumed beef regularly. The study came to different conclusions for those participants who substituted chicken or fish for red meat in their diet [5].
Calories are a nutrient that your brain can't get enough of. Get some red meat into your diet if you want to maintain your level of happiness and mental acuity. Various types of meals are beneficial to the brain that vegetarians can consume that will help to improve their cognitive abilities. You could want to incorporate things like avocado, wild salmon, blueberries, almonds, seeds, oats, beans, tuna, tomatoes, cacao nibs, and coffee into your diet. These are one of the most brain-nourishing foods you can eat, and eating them will make your brain work harder.
Reasons That Eating Meat Makes Us Smart
Iron:
Iron's primary purpose is to transport oxygen to cells to carry out their duty of producing energy. They then extrapolate to suggest that because the brain requires a significant amount of fuel, it must need red meat to obtain iron [6].
Every cell in the body needs energy, and yes, iron is required to produce hemoglobin, the red pigment that transports oxygen to the cells. However, not even the most bright of brains care (or even know) where their iron originates, nor do they know it exists. You won't need any more iron than what you receive from seafood, chicken, legumes, veggies, or grains. BTW, the iron in red meat is a primary reason why a high intake of red meat is associated with many problems, including an increased risk of colorectal cancer. This information comes courtesy of the Meat and Poultry Industry Association.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential component of brain cells and contributes to their growth and repair [7].
In addition, the skin, liver, pancreas, kidneys, eyes, and prostate gland all benefit from zinc's ability to promote development and repair. Zinc deficiency is common in parts of the world where people have extremely little access to food and much less access to food that is of high quality nutritionally. It is incredibly uncommon in Australia (except for chronic alcoholism), most likely due to the prevalence of zinc in the country's food supply. Oysters and mussels are the essential sources by far and away. On the other hand, you can consume an adequate amount of this nutrient by consuming other fish, chicken, lentils, rolled oats and other cereals, dairy products, and nuts.
Omega-3s
However, they did not mention that omega-3 fatty acids are most necessary during pregnancy and early childhood because of their role in brain development [8].
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), present in fish and all Australian seafood, is the primary omega-3 fatty acid in the brain and is responsible for its development and function. DPA (docosapentaenoic acid) in red meat may be beneficial, but further research is needed. DPA can only be found inside the meat that has been fed on grass, which is why labels on meat are necessary. Adding DHA to the diet of pregnant mothers and their unborn children does not appear to affect intelligence. According to a recent study, a vegetarian diet was more likely to be chosen by more intelligent children.
Amino acids:
Amino acids can be found in meat as they are a component of all proteins; however, it is unclear why they are grouped as a single nutrient even though there are around 20 different amino acids [9].
Because amino acids are a component of neurochemicals, the term "amino acids" is preferred over "protein." In fact, before any part of the body can use protein, it must first be broken down into its constituent amino acids. No one in Australia has a problem with not getting enough protein, and their brains can't tell if the amino acids they need come from meat, milk, or cereal.
Source Of Vitamin B12:
B12 is found in meat, which helps keep the brain healthy as we age by preventing weariness, mental confusion, nerve damage, and shrinkage of the brain's volume. Memory loss has been linked to low vitamin B12 in the blood. Unless they take a vitamin B12 supplement daily, vegans are deficient in the vitamin [10].
The vitamin B12 content of one slice of the grass-fed liver is more than 800 percent more than the daily recommended dose. Isn't that incredible? There's no need to panic if you don't like liver; any grass-fed meat is still a good source of this vital mineral. If you don't want to make paté or fry it up with onions, we also have some beautiful options for incorporating more liver into your diet without creating paté or frying it up with onions.
Protein:
Protein is the second most abundant building block of tissue in our bodies, outranked only by water. Getting adequate protein in your diet helps optimize brain function and is essential for brain cells to receive nutrition. Protein helps neurons communicate with each other due to the amino acids that neurotransmitters are composed of. The parts made up of fats like the omega-3 fatty acids previously mentioned can interact with one another thanks to proteins.
Eating meat makes us smart, and a protein-rich meal in the middle of the day can help you feel more alert while consuming a high amount of carbs might make you feel tired. Eating protein also helps increase levels of tyrosine, another amino acid that helps the brain produce different types of chemical messengers that make all your mental functions chug along efficiently.
Our Brains Evolved Because Of Meat
Even if you don't realize it, a meat-based diet may have had far-reaching consequences on the human brain. Eating meat may have significantly influenced human development by stimulating rapid increases in brain size. In the womb, iron is crucial for developing a child's brain. Iron is abundant in many plants, but its form in plants is less digestible than the one it takes in meat. Meat provides the most iron to our bodies since it is rapidly absorbed [11].
It's simple: Without meat, we wouldn't be able to think the way we do now. To put it another way, we wouldn't be human today if we hadn't figured out how to eat meat. Studies reveal that a vegan, plant-based diet would have been unable to account for the rapid growth of the brain over several million years. It's hardly unexpected that eating pasture-raised meat all your life can improve your brain function.
High-Quality Meat Produces High-Quality Health
It's simple: Without meat, we wouldn't be able to think the way we do now. To put it another way, we wouldn't be human today if we hadn't figured out how to eat meat. Studies reveal that a vegan, plant-based diet would have been unable to account for the rapid growth of the brain over several million years. It's no surprise that eating pasture-raised meat all your life can help your brain work better.
Scientists studying gorillas believe that the difference between the brain functions of gorillas and humans may be due to meat consumption. Humans have giant brains packed with neurons relative to our body size. The brain's basic working units are called neurons, and having a large number of them allows for more complicated operations. Our closest cousins in the primate kingdom have bodies three times larger than ours. However, their brains are tiny and contain a third fewer neurons than ours[12].
Importance That Eating Meat Make Us Smart
Supporting A Healthy Sex Drive
The generation of female sex hormones and the menstrual cycle regulation are both dependent on vitamin A. It's important to consume meat because it contains high levels of beta-carotene, which our bodies need to make vitamin A.
The B vitamins B6 and B3 found in meat are critical to the health of a woman's libido. Grass-fed beef, bison, elk, and lamb provide more than a third of the daily value for these vitamins in a single serving. The proper functioning of sex hormones is dependent on adequate intake of vitamin B6[13].
Serotonin, dopamine, estrogen, testosterone, and red blood cell formation are all regulated by this vitamin. Niacin, or vitamin B3, improves blood flow, resulting in more powerful and more frequent orgasms. As a result, it helps the adrenal gland produce hormones that make men and women sexually attractive.
Magnesium and iron are two of the most potent sex drive boosters today. Grass-fed meat is the best way to get both of these nutrients. Thanks to magnesium, a person's libido is influenced directly by the number of sex hormones their body produces. Anxiety-prone ladies may benefit significantly from this herb's sedative and tranquilizing effects.
Collagen, The Beautifying Superfood
As a skin tonic, bone broth is like drinking liquid gold. As you've probably heard, your face can benefit significantly from collagen's potent anti-aging properties. As you become older, your skin's natural collagen production slows down. As the skin ages, it loses suppleness and loses its youthful appearance. Most individuals don't realize that collagen molecules are too big to be directly absorbed via the skin[14].
Yes, any topical collagen product is entirely pointless. Only if it's ingested internally can your body absorb this sought-after protein. When it comes to eating supplements, our bodies are better suited to consuming meals containing the chemicals we are looking for.
For healthy hair and nails, bone broth is an excellent source of collagen. Experts believe that a healthy gut is linked to a healthy complexion. Bone broth's outstanding digestive properties can help the skin improve dramatically when digestive concerns are addressed. Enables you to get some shut-eye with bone broth, too. Glycine, an amino acid found in this supplement, has been demonstrated in certain studies to promote more profound, more restful sleep. Calcium and magnesium, which aid with sleep, are also included.
Final Thoughts
Humans have relied on meat as a primary source of protein for thousands of years. You'll get a lot of protein from it, which is good for your health. However, processed meats have been linked to cancer, with the most substantial evidence from colorectal cancer studies.
High temperatures used in the preparation and cooking of meat have also been linked to the formation of carcinogens. It's not yet known how different cooking methods affect cancer risk. As a result, meat consumption may increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity [15]. Aside from that, this is based mainly on observational studies. Meat consumption negatively influences the environment and is linked to viral illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eating meat make us smart?
Studies reveal that a vegan, plant-based diet would have been unable to account for the rapid growth of the brain over several million years. It's hardly unexpected that eating pasture-raised meat all your life can improve your brain function.
Is meat good for brain development?
Just a 3-ounce portion of beef offers 1.5 micrograms of B12, which is enough to satisfy the body's daily requirement of 2 micrograms. The high-quality proteins also aid a child's brain growth in meat and dairy.
Can humans survive without meat?
Meat can be consumed and digested without problems by persons in good health. Despite this, you can function normally from a nutritional and biological standpoint without it. Because humans are social animals, their cultural and religious standards influence their attitudes towards consuming meat.
What happens if a vegetarian eats meat?
Vegetarians may experience physiological consequences if they eat meat, even if they don't want to. A person may experience physical symptoms as a result of having certain emotions. Feeling dizzy, queasy, or sick to your stomach may signify a rising level of anxiety.
Is meat bad for your brain?
It has a lot of saturated fat, which is detrimental to your heart and brain, making it unhealthy. The MIND Diet stresses the need to cut back on red meat as part of its overall goal of promoting mental clarity and memory retention.
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References
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2. Gilby, I. C., & Wawrzyniak, D. (2018). Meat eating by wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii): effects of prey age on carcass consumption sequence. International Journal of Primatology, 39(1), 127-140.
3. Calvin, W. H. (1994). The emergence of intelligence. Scientific American, 271(4), 100-107.
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5. Reicks, A. L., Brooks, J. C., Garmyn, A. J., Thompson, L. D., Lyford, C. L., & Miller, M. F. (2011). Demographics and beef preferences affect consumer motivation for purchasing fresh beef steaks and roasts. Meat Science, 87(4), 403-411.
6. Czerwonka, M., & Tokarz, A. (2017). Iron in red meat–friend or foe. Meat science, 123, 157-165.
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9. Leggio, A., Belsito, E. L., De Marco, R., Liguori, A., Siciliano, C., & Spinella, M. (2012). Simultaneous extraction and derivatization of amino acids and free fatty acids in meat products. Journal of Chromatography A, 1241, 96-102.
10. Gille, D., & Schmid, A. (2015). Vitamin B12 in meat and dairy products. Nutrition reviews, 73(2), 106-115.
11. Smil, V. (2002). Eating meat: evolution, patterns, and consequences. Population and development review, 28(4), 599-639.
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13. Çatak, J., Çaman, R., Yaman, M., & Ceylan, Z. (2022). Effect of Baking and Grilling on B Vitamins of Selected Fishes and Chicken Parts. Journal of Culinary Science & Technology, 1-16.
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