The discovery of how to harness fire about half a million years ago further increased alimentary options and proved to be a great social and nutritional revolution, as was agriculture, established only about 10,000 years ago. Health and Endurance Dr Ryde then went on to quote reports from the scientific press of degenerative diseases which seem to be linked to a high consumption of animal foods, such as obesity, gall stones, late-onset diabetes, colon cancer, hypertension, strokes, heart disease, diverticulosis, tooth decay, piles, peptic ulcers and varicose veins. His angina disappeared, he lost 20lbs in weight, his blood pressure dropped 55 points and he was able to walk 4 miles without trouble. One argument against a vegan diet is the reported deficiencies of vitamins B12 and D and the minerals calcium and iron. Vitamin D deficiency would not be a problem if we didn't wear clothes.
Supplements are a socially acceptable alternative to coprophagy and nudity.
It is those who eat meat who need extra calcium. Since menstruation whilst breast-feeding is rare, a major cause of iron deficiency is removed. Gorillas also eat the placenta to recover minerals. Modern carnivorous society then imposes abnormal conditions on vegetarians and vegans and it is realistic for them to compensate with supplements. Conclusions Dr Ryde concluded by stating his hypothesis that Pliocene man was a herbivore food gatherer, an opportunist carnivore and perhaps a coprophagist.