ZOE Science & Nutrition Our ancestors’ diet: surprising discoveries from a 5000 year old iceman
Jun 23, 2022
Join Frank Maixner from the Institute for Mummy Studies, who reveals the secrets of a 5,300-year-old Iceman, alongside Tim Spector, a leading scientist and co-founder of ZOE. They dive into the ancient diet and health of this remarkable figure, uncovering surprising insights about microbiome diversity and its implications today. Discover the Iceman's varied diet, from hunter-gatherer roots to his intriguing gut microbiome, plus how ancient dietary practices can inform modern health choices.
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Iceman Discovery
- Two hikers, Helmut and Erika Simon, discovered a body in the Alps in 1991.
- Initially thought to be a recent death, it turned out to be a 5,300-year-old mummy.
Iceman Insights
- The Iceman, found in the Alps, provides insights into ancient diets and lifestyles.
- Analysis revealed he was murdered, had atherosclerosis, and his tissues and biomolecules were remarkably preserved.
Iceman's Diet
- The Iceman's diet was high in fat, likely from ibex and red deer meat, supplemented with einkorn wheat.
- This high-calorie diet was necessary for survival in the harsh alpine environment.