CNN —Virtually absent from most present-day Western diets, seaweed and aquatic plants were once a staple food for ancient Europeans, an analysis of molecules preserved in fossilized dental plaque has found.
Previously when researchers uncovered evidence of seaweed, they explained its presence as a fuel, food wrapping or fertilizer.
In Europe, by the 18th century, seaweed was regarded as a famine food or only suitable for animal feed.
And of those, 26 samples revealed that seaweed or aquatic plants had been on the menu.
The scientists said they hoped that their research would highlight the potential for including more seaweeds and freshwater plants in present-day diets.
Persons:
”, Karen Hardy, ’ Hardy, ” Hardy, Stephen Buckley, ” Buckley, Buckley
Organizations:
CNN, Nature Communications, University of Glasgow, University of York, Corona
Locations:
Europe, United Kingdom, Scotland, Spain, Lithuania, Orkney, ”, Asia