Eat 5 a Day (fruit & Vegetables)?

Question

How did the indigenous Inuit (Eskimo), living in Northern Canada, Alaska, Greenland & Eastern Siberia, hunting seals and birds & fishing, "SURVIVE" without fruit & vegetables as we in more temperate climes are told we can't or shouldn't for health reasons.

veganandproud. That answer, does it relate to you or the Unuit.

Answer 1

It appears that scientist have not figured why the Inuit and other cultures like the Masai live healthy lives while consuming a diet high in animal products.

The traditional view of heart disease is that it is the result of consuming too many foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as meat, cheese and eggs. This hypothesis has been around since the 1950s based largely on epidemiological studies done between 1955 & 1965.

One such study, done by Ancel Keyes, looked at the relationship between fat intake and heart disease in seven different countries. Dr. Keyes found that in the countries where fat intake was low – such as Japan – so was the incidence of heart disease. In contrast, in countries where fat intake was high – such as the United States or Great Britain – the incidence of heart disease was also high. In 1961, based on Dr. Keyes’ research, the American Heart Association officially recommended that we decrease consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol in order to protect ourselves from heart disease.

The theory that fat causes heart disease has been the reigning piece of heart-health propaganda since that time. But can you think of a flaw in Dr. Keyes’ research that might suggest a different truth?

How many countries are there on this planet? I promise you there are more than seven. Dr. Keyes research is flawed because he selected those countries that supported his hypothesis. There are many countries with a high fat intake and a low incidence of heart disease. What about the French paradox? In France fat intake is high, yet compared to the US the French have a lower incidence of heart disease. The Masai of Africa? . Their diet high in meat and fat yet their arteries are remarkably clean. What about the Aboriginal Eskimo? The Aboriginal Eskimo had a diet that is nearly 70% fat, yet their incidence of heart disease is low

So from this we can conclude that human health is determined by many factors not just diet alone.

Answer 2

Just as with most Hunter-Gartherer cultures in the known world, the FDA doesn't extend to all of them. It started w/ a single guy during the Civil War... what did we do for eons before the FDA?!?!?! Well, we didn't eat 5 a Day, I can tell you that.

H-G peoples worked and exercised just to exist. They could live on fish jerky and whale blubber thru the winter. I'm sure there were some fresh veggies and fruits of some sort in teh summer, but a limited choice. They lived a totally different lifestyle than we live now, eating whole foods w/o preservatives and chemicals.

Answer 3

I actually saw a show about this the other day.

Apparently whale skin/blubber is very high in vitamin C, and that's what helps fight of scurvy in the Inuits. That, and they've adapted to survive on this diet.

The source below (The Inuit Paradox -
How can people who gorge on fat and rarely see a vegetable be healthier than we are?) explains it very well.

Answer 4

They survived on a mainly protein diet just like all those people on atkins.

Answer 5

Life expectancy is less than 35 years, and income per capita is less than $1,000 a year.

Answer 6

wha????????????