The diets of early Europeans were surprisingly different than the diets of the Western world today. In a recent study conducted by the University of Kent, researchers have found that one particular nutrient-rich food that has largely disappeared from Western diets was a staple of early Europeans; starchy plants.
According to the study, starchy plants — such as wheat, barley, and rye— played a long-overlooked role in the diets of early Europeans. The team behind the study used soil samples to analyze the intake of starchy plant food.
The researchers observed a major shift in nutrition as populations began to adopt animal protein and dairy in their diets. The decline in starchy plant consumption likely corresponded to the decline in early Celtic agriculture—which saw a decline in the number of grain farms.
The study goes on to suggest that the elimination of starchy plants from Western diets has contributed to a number of health issues. According to researchers, starchy plants are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber—all of which are essential for the body’s overall health and well-being.
Additionally, starchy plants can help to regulate the body’s blood sugar levels and can aid in maintaining a healthy weight. Furthermore, starchy plants are a healthy source of carbohydrates for those living with diabetes or other metabolic diseases.
It is important for us to remember the importance of starchy plants in our diets and how it was once a staple of early European diets. This nutrient-rich food has been largely forgotten in Western diets, yet it is essential for overall health and well-being. We should strive to make sure that such a nutritious food is not forgotten any further.