The Black Death, a devastating plague that swept across Europe during the mid-14th century, claimed the lives of up to 60 percent of the population and left an indelible mark on history. Now, a new study suggests that this infamous pandemic may have played a role in shaping our modern-day love for junk food.

Research conducted by scientists at Penn State University in the US and the University of Adelaide in Australia has uncovered a potential connection between the Black Death and changes in dietary and hygiene practices that have influenced our oral microbiomes – the communities of microorganisms, mostly bacteria, found in our mouths.

By analyzing calcified dental plaque from skeletons spanning thousands of years, the researchers discovered that the dominant bacteria present in our mouths today are associated with low-fiber, high-carbohydrate diets and dairy consumption – characteristics of modern-day diets, including junk food.

The study, published in the journal Nature Microbiology, revealed that the Black Death pandemic, along with other historical events, accounted for approximately 11 percent of the variation in oral microbiomes. Survivors of the Second Plague Pandemic, who generally had higher incomes, could afford higher-calorie foods, possibly leading to changes in their diets that influenced the composition of their oral microbiomes.

Professor Laura Weyrich, one of the lead researchers, emphasized the importance of understanding the origins of microbial communities within our bodies, as they have been linked to a range of chronic diseases including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and poor mental health. By investigating the effects of past pandemics on our oral microbiomes, scientists hope to gain insights that could aid in managing these diseases.

The research team identified 954 microbial species in the samples, which fell into two distinct communities of bacteria. One community was dominated by Streptococcus, commonly found in the mouths of modern people, while the other was predominantly Methanobrevibacter, which is now largely extinct in healthy individuals.

While this study sheds light on the potential link between the Black Death and our affinity for junk food today, it also highlights the broader impact of historical events on our health. The changes to diet and hygiene practices during the plague era likely influenced the composition of our oral microbiomes, which play a vital role in our immune, heart, and brain health.

As the world continues to grapple with various health challenges, understanding the factors that shape our microbiomes and their associations with diseases becomes increasingly important. By unraveling the influences of past pandemics like the Black Death, scientists strive to provide valuable insights that could enhance our understanding and management of chronic illnesses prevalent in modern society.

In conclusion, the study suggests that the Black Death plague may have contributed to the rise of junk food consumption today, based on changes in dietary and hygiene practices during the historical period. Further research in this area could provide valuable insights into the relationships between historical events, human health, and dietary habits.