From crispy French fries to crusty sourdough loaves, carbs are an integral (and delicious) part of the human diet. But why do we love these starchy and sugary foods? The answer might be embedded in our DNA, according to a new study published [in] Science. Scientists have traced the genetic underpinnings of our ability to digest carbs to more than 800,000 years ago, long before the advent of agriculture—and much earlier than previously thought.

This finding raises new questions [about] our hunter-gatherer ancestors’ diet and lifestyle. It also challenges the long-held belief that a protein-rich diet was responsible for the increase in human brain size, scientists suggest. Perhaps carbs, not meat, gave humans the energy needed [to develop] bigger brains.

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