Monkeys are clever, voracious eaters with diets that can range from yummy tropical fruits to crunchy bugs. But their fast reactions and smart thinking didn’t evolve just for our amusement; these behaviors help monkeys forage, form social bonds, care for their offspring and work together to solve problems in the treetops.
In the wild, monkeys spend most of their time searching for food. They also play, groom each other and interact with other monkeys in their group to share resources. In addition, monkeys use facial expressions, body movements and vocalizations to communicate with each other. The sound of a monkey’s bark, purr, scream or deep howl can be heard several miles away.
Most monkeys eat leaves, fruits, flowers and seeds to get the nutrients they need for their bodies. But they are also adept at eating insects like grasshoppers, termites and caterpillars. This helps them obtain protein, which is essential for their health. Some Old World monkeys, such as baboons and macaques, fill their cheek pouches with fruit, seeds and leaves to eat later. And some types of monkeys, such as colobus monkeys and langurs, have chambered stomachs that enable them to ferment and digest leaves more efficiently.
While pizza can be part of a Monkey-approved meal, it’s important to consider the fat content. Many types of pizza contain a lot of saturated fats that can raise your cholesterol and increase your risk for heart disease. Try to choose low-fat sauces such as Marinara, white wine or barbeque. Or, try topping your pizza with vegetables and healthy whole grains instead of fatty meats and cheese.