Humans - Herbivore, Carnivore or Omnivore?

Are humans Herbivore, Carnivore or Omnivores?

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Herbivore? Carnivore? Omnivore?

1. Omnivorism (humans)
The key category in the discussion of human diet is omnivores, which are defined as generalized feeders, with neither carnivore nor herbivore specializations for acquiring or processing food, and who are capable of consuming and do consume both animal protein and vegetation. They are basically *opportunistic* feeders (survive by eating what is available) with more generalized anatomical and physiological traits, especially the dentition (teeth). All the available evidence indicates that the natural human diet is omnivorous and would include meat. We are not, however, required to consume animal protein. We have a choice.

2. Apes
Our closest relatives among the apes are the chimpanzees (i.e., anatomically, behaviorally, genetically, and evolutionarily), who frequently kill and eat other mammals (including other primates). Their diet is fruit, leafs, seeds, meat (like: birds, mammals, pigs, antelope, and their faverite food: termites). Conclusion: they are omnivores.

3. Evidence of humans as Omnivores.
3.1 Archeological Record
As far back as it can be traced, clearly the archeological record indicates an omnivorous diet for humans that included meat. Our ancestry is among the hunter/gatherers from the beginning. Once domestication of food sources began, it included both animals and plants.
3.2 Cell Types
Relative number and distribution of cell types, as well as structural specializations, are more important than overall length of the intestine to determining a typical diet. Dogs are typical carnivores, but their intestinal characteristics have more in common with omnivores. Wolves eat quite a lot of plant material.
3.3 Fermenting Vats
Nearly all plant eaters have fermenting vats (enlarged chambers where foods sits and microbes attack it). Ruminants like cattle and deer have forward sacs derived from remodeled esophagus and stomach. Horses, rhinos, and colobine monkeys have posterior, hindgut sacs. Humans have no such specializations.
3.4 Jaws
Although evidence on the structure and function of human hands and jaws, behavior, and evolutionary history also either support an omnivorous diet or fail to support strict vegetarianism, the best evidence comes from our teeth.
The short canines in humans are a functional consequence of the enlarged cranium and associated reduction of the size of the jaws. In primates, canines function as both defense weapons and visual threat devices. Interestingly, the primates with the largest canines (gorillas and gelada baboons) both have basically vegetarian diets. In archeological sites, broken human molars are most often confused with broken premolars and molars of pigs, a classic omnivore. On the other hand, some herbivores have well-developed incisors that are often mistaken for those of human teeth when found in archeological excavations.
3.5 Salivary Glands
These indicate we could be omnivores. Saliva and urine data vary, depending on diet, not taxonomic group.

3.6 Intestines
Intestinal absorption is a surface area, not linear problem. Dogs (which are carnivores) have intestinal specializations more characteristic of omnivores than carnivores such as cats. The relative number of crypts and cell types is a better indication of diet than simple length. We are intermediate between the two groups.

4. Conclusion
Humans are classic examples of omnivores in all relevant anatomical traits. There is no basis in anatomy or physiology for the assumption that humans are pre-adapted to the vegetarian diet. For that reason, the best arguments in support of a meat-free diet remain ecological, ethical, and health concerns (a good balance is the best for your health).

Information found in the Vegetarian Journal, published by: The Vegetarian Resource Group

Word from the author.

Remember what the article said. We have a choice. Please respect that choice. Dont try to force everyone to be like you. If you want to fight against those that make animals suffer, then that is very nobel, but by trying to make everyone a vegeterian you're not respecting that choice at all. You must fight for laws that protect animals from cruelty. That way those who want to can still eat meat, and the animals do not suffer anymore.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Human
• Humans
• Herbivore
• Carnivore
• Omnivore
• Vegan
• Fruitarier
• Vegeterian
• Chimpanzee
• Diet

[kevinmichael]

My point of view on this matter(just personal opinion btw)is that we're omnivores. On the other hand it doesn't mean people can't be vegan by any means and that you can't get everything you need from a plant based diet. You definitely can. Does it agree with everyone? Of course not. Does that mean you should eat meat because of this? Of course not. I'm not sure but, I think at some point down the line we were possibly herbivores, carnivores, omnivores... honestly,... I don't see why people hate.

[SaMyZeR]

@kevinmichael

Thats what i want to show everyone with this video actualy :)

[Teranex]

I love it how aggressive vegans are. Like true predators :D

[derokojohn]

@SaMyZeR very good video, I have actually got here while searching some video that shows how we are closest to chimps, and that they are omnivores, hence, by our nature, we are too. When I see those slaughterhouses, I really get to consider hunting your food as more human way to be omnivores (I like the bond Indians had with their kill). So, my point, animal rights activists are right about slaughterhouses, but vegans are wrong about human herbivorios nature. Thanks for effort and upload.

[TheMangetsuhozuki]

@NasimATBird i have b4

[NasimATBird]

@TheMangetsuhozuki If u got the teeth, then go to nearest jungle and hunt some animal with ur teeth & enjoy eating it!

[gf3030]

@smashchamps77 You fail to realise that we are capable of eating meat, yet you call my info illogic and rediculous? Is your head really that far up your ass that you cant see the truth? Another thing, if humans are not able to eat meat, then how did it ever happen? By saying we evolved to eat meat is like saying a horse might one day chase down, kill and eat a cow or something. Your the one not making any scence. Then you add cattle are fed remains of other animals? Are you really that stupid?

[smashchamps77]

@gf3030 You've gone off on a tangent. Did you not know that true herbivores like cattle are fed the remains of other cattle on factory farms? Did you not realize that even true carnivores like cats may eat grass? The statement that humans are omnivores because we are capable of eating meat is plain illogical.

Your "evidence" is very weak. Humans have little in common with an archetype omnivore; we are likely frugivorous. I tried to state this respectfully, but you're being ridiculous.

[gf3030]

@smashchamps77 If you need even more info, if humans are not ment to eat meat, then why do we produce the acids in our stomach to break down meat, but not celulose found in plants? You can keep on going with your theory with we dont have the claws and the teeth like a carnivore and be able to eat meat raw bullshit. Again, thats bullshit because humans are not carnivores. We are omnivores. You cant deny reality. Vegans just make things up because they dont like killing animals. Thats all it is.

[gf3030]

@smashchamps77 Ok, your evidence is bullshit because you simply say humans are not ment to eat meat. But we do, how are we able to eat meat if we are not ment to? For example, would a horse eat another animal? Thats right, no because a horse is a herbivore. Now would a lion eat a carrot? Again, no because a lion is a carnivore. Humans are capable of eating both meaning we are omnivores. We simply would not eat meat if we were not designed to.

[smashchamps77]

@gf3030 I think we can both agree to disagree. I never said that cavemen ate mostly fruits, nor do I think that it is appropriate for us to emulate an eskimo lifestyle. I've done my research, and quite frankIy I've found plenty which supports my anti-omnivore argument. I'm not just saying this because I "dont like the fact that we kill for food." After all, I could very well claim that your evidence is bullshit as well.

[gf3030]

@smashchamps77 Eskimos have shorter life spans because they dont have doctors like we do. Also, there is no evidence that cavemen ate mostly fruits.

If you want to get into the biology terms, there is nothing that rejects humans as being omnivores. You cant just say we are not because you dont like the fact that we kill for food. Were ever you get your information from, its bullshit.