The two collaborated to study the effects of nutritional instinct by using images of food pairings.
Interestingly, the participants also selected food combinations that offered just the right amount of vitamins and minerals.
Brunstrom said he was thrilled to see that humans intuitively avoid nutrient excess.
Yuliia Poliashenko / Getty Images
The results suggest that humans are capable of making nuanced and efficient nutrition choices innately, Schatzker added.
Intuitive eating practices are also present in some cultural traditions, she added.
Instinct tells us to take advantage of these foods when we can get them.
Things that are high in fat, sugar, and salt are always going to be appealing to us.
And fast-food companies know that, she said.
But understanding nutritional intuition can help humans make healthier food choices, according to Brunstrom.
However, even a minor deficiency can put us at risk for certain health conditions.
Brunstrom JM, Schatzker M.Micronutrients and food choice: a case of nutritional wisdom in humans?Appetite.
2021;11(13):8441-8455. doi:10.1002/ece3.7745
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Micronutrient facts.
