People have accustomed themselves to various kinds of food habits and through them, they meet their nutritional needs. Here are some popular sources of animal protein that are eaten around the world.
Plants, fruits, and seeds were high-energy foods that early ancient people foraged for. Our brains shrank because we had to use so much of our resources just to digest our food. About two million years ago, the very first Homo species established a habit of frequently scavenging meat. The gradual shift from foraging to consuming meat resulted in a larger human brain, especially in comparison to the brain sizes of other primates, which have remained relatively constant throughout evolution.
Six- to seven-month-old pigs are often used in the pork industry. Cured pork is used to make deli meats including ham, bacon, and sausage. "Fresh pork" refers to unprocessed hog. The most well-known Spanish pork meal, Jamón, is made from the pig's hind legs; the national cuisine of Brazil, Feijoada, is typically made from swine scraps like the ear, tail, and foot. Domesticated pigs (or young hogs) have been used as a source of human sustenance in the Mideast as far back as 7000 BCE. An ancient Chinese pork dish dating back at least two thousand years has been discovered. Wild boar, the hog's progenitor, was a staple food for Stone Age people.
Chicken is the most widely consumed type of meat in the United States, with over 8 billion birds being slaughtered annually. Chicken consumption has increased dramatically over the previous half-century in the United States. It was estimated that in 1970 the average American consumed 50 pounds of chicken flesh annually. We've seen a doubling of that figure in just a few short years. Upwards of 300 million hens are raised in the United States annually for their eggs.
Humans first encountered aurochs, the untamed forebears of today's cattle, during prehistoric hunts. Their meat quality and production have both been targeted in subsequent breeding efforts.
Meat from sheep that are less than a year old (lamb) is the fifth most consumed meat product worldwide. Greece, Egypt, North Africa, and the Middle East are just a few of the many Mediterranean nations where you'll hear this phrase frequently. Pakistani and Afghan cuisines also feature it. Lamb is a staple of Greek cuisine and is served at many religious celebrations, including Easter. The Basques of northern Spain likewise place a high value on lamb in their cuisine.
