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(PhysOrg.com) -- A Massey University scientist's study on how wild gorillas in Uganda stay healthy by gorging on protein has highlighted fundamental differences in the way eating habits of various species evolve.
Nutritional ecologist Professor David Raubenheimer says his research also provides clues as to why humans are increasingly obese.
The gorillas he studied in remote Bwindi Impenetrable National Park seasonally overeat protein to meet their needs for carbohydrates and fats. But the results of the study, published in British journal Biology Letters, surprised the researcher because they are opposite to what humans do these days, which is overeat carbohydrates and fats to get enough protein.
In the four months of the year when fruits are freely available, the rare apes eat a diet that provides 19 per cent of energy from protein. This, the study shows, is close to a balanced diet for gorillas, and is similar to the protein requirements of humans.
But in the eight months of the year when fruits are scarce in their high-altitude forest habitats, the gorillas eat a diet containing a whopping 30 per cent protein.
More -> Gorillas, unlike humans, gorge protein yet stay slim
Nutritional ecologist Professor David Raubenheimer says his research also provides clues as to why humans are increasingly obese.
The gorillas he studied in remote Bwindi Impenetrable National Park seasonally overeat protein to meet their needs for carbohydrates and fats. But the results of the study, published in British journal Biology Letters, surprised the researcher because they are opposite to what humans do these days, which is overeat carbohydrates and fats to get enough protein.
In the four months of the year when fruits are freely available, the rare apes eat a diet that provides 19 per cent of energy from protein. This, the study shows, is close to a balanced diet for gorillas, and is similar to the protein requirements of humans.
But in the eight months of the year when fruits are scarce in their high-altitude forest habitats, the gorillas eat a diet containing a whopping 30 per cent protein.
More -> Gorillas, unlike humans, gorge protein yet stay slim