Unpacking Ancestral Health Myths

This chapter examines misconceptions about the lifespan and health of our ancestors, revealing that while infant mortality skewed views of life expectancy, those who survived childhood often lived into middle age. It contrasts ancient lifestyles and diets with modern practices, addressing the romanticization of the Paleo Diet and the health challenges faced by early humans. The discussion underscores the complexity of reconstructing ancestral eating habits and warns against directly equating past hunters' behaviors with contemporary ones.