Algae, seaweed, and other aquatic plants are highly nutritious and healthy, yet they are rarely consumed in Europe. However, in the Stone Age, early humans had a different diet. In the future, these plants could make our diet more sustainable and healthier. A recent study by the University of York and the University of Glasgow reveals that algae and other freshwater plants were part of the diet of European early humans during the Mesolithic period, a transitional period from the Neolithic to agriculture. The researchers found biomolecular evidence of the consumption of red, green, or brown algae and freshwater plants in the dental calculus of 74 individuals from 28 archaeological sites. The findings suggest that the use of seaweed as food in Europe was widespread during the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods.
Despite the emergence of agriculture, aquatic plants continued to be used as a food source. The researchers believe that these ancient people knew the nutritional benefits of seaweed so well that they maintained their connection to the sea. The authors hope that their study will encourage Europeans to reintegrate algae and freshwater plants into their diet, not only for their health benefits but also to make food production more sustainable. The scientists point out that red algae have a high content of amino acids, while green algae are a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Today, seaweed and freshwater plants are practically absent from traditional Western diets, and the study emphasizes the potential for rediscovering alternative, local, sustainable food sources.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the dietary habits of early humans and highlights the nutritional benefits of aquatic plants. The findings suggest that seaweed and freshwater plants could play a crucial role in making our diet more sustainable and healthier. The authors hope that their research will encourage people to reintegrate these plants into their diet and rediscover alternative, local, sustainable food sources.
