When we think of our prehistoric ancestors, we often think of primitive beings that were likely unaware of nutrition or scientific aspects of the foods they ate. However, a new study involving an international team of researchers suggests that our ancestors had detailed knowledge of the plants they ate – even prior to agricultural development. To better understand how our prehistoric ancestors ate, the researchers extracted chemical compounds from calcified dental plaque on ancient teeth. In doing so, they found that our ancestors enjoyed a plant called purple nut sedge – a plant that we consider a nuisance weed today. In fact, this plant was a staple part of the prehistoric diet, at least in central Sudan. Researchers also believe that our ancestors were very much aware of the medicinal and nutritional benefits offered by purple nut sedge and other plants they commonly consumed.
In central Sudan, a historic site on the White Nile contains many prehistoric fossils that offer insight to our prehistoric ancestors’ lives. The fossils suggest that over 7,000 years ago, even before the development of agriculture, the people in this area ate purple nut sedge – a plant that is a good source of energy (high in carbohydrates), and has medicinal and aromatic qualities.
Today, purple nut sedge is often found in tropical and sub-tropical regions – and significant amounts of money are spent to actually eradicate it. The material found on our ancestor’s dental remains tell us that the plant was considered anything but a nuisance several thousand years ago. Purple nut sedge was actually a useful and valuable commodity, and researchers believe that our ancestors were aware of its medicinal qualities. Aside from purple nut sedge, researchers were able to extract other plants – and even evidence of smoke, suggesting that the people in this region cooked their food.
An interesting part of the study was that these dental fossils had a surprisingly low incidence of dental cavities. The researchers explain that purple nut sedge was likely known for its health benefits. Although our ancestors wre unaware how the plant carried out its benefits, it’s evident that it was effective in inhibiting infection of Streptococcus mutans (a bacterium that contributes to tooth decay). Other evidence found at the excavation site demonstrates that purple nut sedge was used as not only food, but also raw materials and even medicine.
Until now, it was often believed that our ancestors were primitive beings who consumed mainly meats and protein, and researchers believe that similar studies in the future will continue to reshape our ideas of prehistoric culture. Researchers believe that looking further into microfossils and extracted materials from dental fossils will change our ideas about prehistoric populations and their knowledge of nutrition. It’s likely that the misbelief regarding prehistoric diets is because meat consumption is so much easier to identify, as it leaves stronger signatures than fragile plants. Now that new technology is available, we are able to paint a more accurate portrait of our knowledgeable ancestors.
Floracor-GI 