Herbivores typically have longer small intestines compared to carnivores, and this is indeed related to their need to digest cellulose. Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate found in plant cell walls, and it requires specialized enzymes and a longer time to break down compared to the digestion of meat.
First of all...what the heck is the small intestine?
It's one of the main organs of the digestive tract. It runs about 20-23ft. long in the average human and it is where majority of the nutrients from food we eat are absorbed.
The three main macronutrients, fats + carbs + proteins, are all absorbed here once they're broken down into their smaller particles! Fats are absorbed from the small intestine into the lymph, while carbohydrates and proteins are absorbed from the small intestine directly into the blood - then sent along to their respective homes.
So...Herbivores get to have longer small intestines?!
The small intestine of herbivores is longer to provide more surface area for the absorption of nutrients from plant-based diets. The extended length allows for a slower passage of food, maximizing the time available for enzymatic digestion and nutrient absorption. Additionally, herbivores may possess adaptations like a larger surface area in the form of intestinal folds or villi, further enhancing nutrient absorption.
What about carnivorous meat eaters?
In contrast, carnivores, which primarily consume meat, have shorter small intestines because animal tissues are generally easier to break down and digest compared to plant materials. Carnivores rely on a diet that is higher in protein and fat, which are more readily absorbed and metabolized in the small intestine.
It's important to note that while the length of the small intestine is generally correlated with the type of diet an animal has, there can be variations and exceptions within different species depending on their specific adaptations and digestive strategies.
Why I recommend eating meat - especially organ meats!
