Food Selection Framework
Eating to survive
The Food Selection Framework is a set of adaptations that function to avoid diseases that could be transmitted by bacteria and viruses contained in food, infected non-human organisms, and infected humans. It involves the coordination of food seeking, consumption, and digestion with internal metabolic state, including the recognition of toxins and the avoidance of dangerous levels of toxins.
- Humans have evolved to select foods that provide adequate amounts of calories and specific nutrients.
- Toxins are widespread throughout the plant world and can be harmful to humans.
- The behavioral immune system functions to prevent the initial entry of infectious diseases into the body.
- Recognize the importance of food selectionUnderstand that food selection is crucial for survival and that humans have evolved to select foods that provide adequate amounts of calories and specific nutrients.Pro tipBe aware of the potential for toxins in food and take steps to avoid them.WarningFailure to select appropriate foods can lead to malnutrition or poisoning.
- Identify potential sources of toxinsBe aware of the potential for toxins in food, including bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.Pro tipUse senses such as smell and sight to detect potential toxins.WarningFailure to detect toxins can lead to poisoning or illness.
- Coordinate food consumption with internal metabolic stateAdjust food consumption based on internal metabolic state, including the recognition of toxins and the avoidance of dangerous levels of toxins.Pro tipListen to your body and adjust food consumption accordingly.WarningFailure to coordinate food consumption with internal metabolic state can lead to malnutrition or illness.
The Hadza hunter-gatherers of Tanzania have a strong preference for honey, which has the highest caloric value.
The framework is based on the idea that humans have evolved to select foods that provide adequate amounts of calories and specific nutrients while avoiding toxins. This is evident in the universal preference for sweet foods, which provide rich sources of calories, and the dislike of bitter and sour foods, which tend to contain toxins.