Outline and Evaluate evolutionary explanation for food preference

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Outline and Evaluate evolutionary explanation for food preference (8+16 marks)

The evolutionary explanation for food preference states that today’s food preferences are a result from the process of natural selection whereby over 2 million years ago, humans learned how to survive by being able to hunt, cook and distinguish food. Due to the humans who were able to carry out these actions successfully surviving, they were able to reproduce and pass on these skills in the form of genetic information. In this way human eating behaviours were shaped and modified, due to the genetic information in each individual from their ancestors, resulting in the preference for certain foods and avoiding of others.

The preference for sweet tasting food, according to the evolutionary theory explanation, is due to the identification of carbohydrates providing energy. As sweet tasting foods provide energy these foods were highly preferred in the Evolutionary Adaptation Period as it enabled individuals to have energy and carry out other activities such as building and hunting. Therefore this preference was passed down in the form of genetic information resulting in the human population have a preference for sweet tasting food.
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The preference for salty tasting food, according to the evolutionary theory explanation, is due to the positive effect of the sodium being able to help human cells function efficiently. The sodium in salt also results in the chemicals in human bodies being correctly balanced and the blood being kept at a certain level. However, too much salt can lead to health problems and an increase in blood pressure. Therefore due to its positive outcomes aiding survival, the preference for salt was passed down in genetic information resulting in the human population having a preference for salty tasting foods.
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