Why We Crave Sugar

Our ancestors relied heavily on natural sources of sugar, primarily fruits, to meet their energy needs. The sweetness of fruit is a result of the presence of simple sugars like fructose and glucose, which are easily digestible and provide a quick source of energy.

Foraging and Seasonal Availability

• Foraging: Early humans were foragers, and they would gather fruits from trees and plants during their seasonal availability.

• Seasonal Cycles: Different fruits ripened at various times of the year, leading to periods of abundance and scarcity.

• Geographic Variation: The types of fruits available varied based on the region and climate, influencing their diet.

Methods of Consumption

• Raw Consumption: Fruits were typically eaten raw, providing immediate energy and nutrition.

• Fermentation: Some cultures discovered fermentation, leading to the creation of alcoholic beverages from fruits, which also contained sugars.

• Preservation Techniques: Drying fruits or making preserves allowed them to store sugars for later use.

  
  

Understanding how our ancestors sourced and utilized sugar from fruits provides insight into the natural origins of our cravings for sweetness and the role of fruit in human nutrition throughout history.