Full Description
This book explores the evolution of the human brain, highlighting the critical role of diet, particularly micronutrients, in shaping our cognitive development. By examining the evolutionary path of our ancestors, it sheds light on how dietary practices have influenced brain growth and function. This provides valuable insights into modern health and lifestyle choices. Thus, the book makes an essential contribution to evolutionary medicine and to our understanding of the relationship between evolution and health.
The chapters cover topics such as the importance of micronutrients in brain development in the context of evolution and cognitive development in children, mental decline in the elderly (dementia), ADHD, Hidden Hunger, and obesity. Special attention is given to the impact of environmental change on dietary evolution and the role of the hippocampus in processing sensory and ecological information. The book offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between diet and cognitive health, and the author presents a strong case that nutritional quality, rather than quantity, has been a driving force in the evolution of Homo sapiens and the human brain. Nutritional quality continues to play an important role in brain development and function, as demonstrated by various examples.
Throughout the book, complex concepts are explained with simple, colorful illustrations. References to implications for modern humans complement the main content.
By exploring the links between ancient dietary practices and modern health, the book invites readers to rethink their approach to diet and lifestyle and offers practical insights for maintaining cognitive health throughout life. As such, it is intended for anyone interested in these topics, whether you are a scientist or an interested layperson.
Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction: What is evolution and how can we explain the fact that selection favors a specific phenotype?.- Chapter 2: Nutrition composition.- Chapter 3: Ecological and Nutritive Niches.- Chapter 4: The habitat and diet of our earliest ancestors.- Chapter 5: The development of Homo.- Chapter 6: Two million years ago: Challenges for humans - hunger and foraging in a changing environment.- Chapter 7: Homo erectus - the hunger challenge.- Chapter 8: The Evolution of Taste.- Chapter 9: They Way to Homo sapiens.- Chapter 10: The Growth of the Brain in a Changing Environment.- Chapter 11: The hippocampus and cortical networks.- Chapter 12: Diet and brain development and the importance for modern humans.- Chapter 13: Importance of micronutrients for brain development.- Chapter 14: What happens to the brain when we age?.- Chapter 15: Climate Change and the Brain.- Chapter 16: Epilogue: Sedentary Minds in a Digital Age - The Hidden Costs of Modern Comfort.
