Ep 6. Eat It, Drink It, Smoke It

Mankind Decoded is a six-part series that takes a closer look at how human beings evolved over time, starting from early humans who lived around 2.5 million years ago to the present day. The show makes use of state-of-the-art technology like CGI and 3D imaging to showcase the latest scientific discoveries on human evolution.

The sixth episode of Mankind Decoded is called "Eat It, Drink It, Smoke It". As the name suggests, this episode explores the ways in which humans have consumed various substances over the course of our evolutionary history. From eating raw meat to cooking food, from drinking water to fermenting alcohol, and from using tobacco to vaping, the episode covers a wide range of topics related to human consumption.

The episode starts with a look at early humans and how they consumed their food. The experts explain how our ancestors would have had to chew their food for hours due to their lack of cooking methods, which would have resulted in a larger jaw and teeth. However, with the invention of cooking, humans developed smaller jaws and digestive systems, which allowed for more efficient nutrient absorption.

Moving on to beverages, the episode explores the history of drinking water and how humans have managed to purify it over the years. From boiling water to filtering it through sand, the experts explain how we have developed various methods to make sure our drinking water is clean and safe.

The episode then delves into the topic of alcohol consumption, and how humans have been fermenting various drinks for thousands of years. From beer to wine, the experts explain how different cultures and civilizations have developed their own unique ways of producing fermented beverages. They also discuss the effects of alcohol on the human body and how it can be both beneficial and harmful depending on the amount consumed.

The last segment of the episode focuses on smoking, both tobacco and other substances. The experts explain how ancient humans used to smoke various plants for medicinal purposes, and how tobacco eventually became popularized by European settlers. They also discuss the harmful effects of smoking on the human body and the rise of vaping as a potential alternative.

Overall, "Eat It, Drink It, Smoke It" is a fascinating look at the different ways in which humans have consumed a variety of substances throughout our evolutionary history. From the invention of cooking to the development of modern techniques like vaping, the episode covers a wide range of topics related to human consumption and offers insights into how these habits have shaped us as a species.