13. Anatomy of a Predator: Are we biologically hunters?

"Look at our canine teeth; we are born to eat meat." This anatomical argument is easily refuted by simple comparison.

Biological Reason

Human "canines" are small and blunt, more like those of fruit-eating primates than the sharp, shearing teeth of wolves or lions. Furthermore, humans have flat molars for grinding grains and long, winding intestines (10-12 times body length) meant for fermenting fiber, whereas carnivores have short, straight guts for rapidly expelling rotting flesh.

Scientific Reason

Our saliva contains amylase for digesting starches (a herbivore trait), and our stomach acid is 20 times weaker than a carnivore's. We also lack the claws and natural aggression required to kill an animal with our bare hands and eat it raw—the true test of a biological carnivore.

Medical Insight

The fact that meat consumption leads to heart disease and clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) in humans, but not in natural carnivores, is the strongest biological proof that it's not our intended fuel.

Psychology

Calling ourselves "predators" is often a way to feel powerful, but our anatomy suggests we are built to be peaceful gatherers and stewards of nature.