The Resurgence of Seaweed: A Forgotten European Staple Returns

An analysis of fossilized dental plaque has revealed that seaweed and aquatic plants were once a staple food for ancient Europeans, despite being virtually absent from present-day Western diets. Previous archaeological evidence of seaweed consumption was often attributed to other uses such as fuel or food wrapping. The study examined the teeth of 74 early humans from various European sites and found chemical markers in dental calculus indicating the ingestion of seaweed or aquatic plants in 26 samples. The research suggests that ancient populations understood the nutritional benefits of seaweed and maintained their dietary link with the sea. The scientists hope that their findings will encourage the inclusion of more seaweeds and freshwater plants in modern diets.