of hunza The people living in the Hunza Valley in northern Pakistan are among the longest-lived populations in the world. In the early 1970s, National Geographic published an extensive series of articles examining the claims of these long-lived people.
As a result, the people and region of Hunza became an interesting case study in health and longevity. This trend continues as people seek ways to improve their health and live longer.
In this article, we will discuss who the Hunzas are and some general insights about their health that can be attributed to their lifestyle, diet, and water drinking. It also explains how their lives changed and why the myth of Hunza's health “secret” may simply be a matter of choice.
Average lifespan of the Hunza people
Hunza was an idyllic destination for American and European backpackers in the 1980s and 1990s. Her six tribes in Hunza now live a blend of traditional life and modern technology-driven life.
Their lives are changing and many myths exist about their longevity and ability to avoid disease. No one knows exactly how long they will live. Some believe that the Hunza, who live in an isolated, fertile valley at an altitude of 8,000 feet, have an average lifespan of 120 years.
Why do the Hunza people live so long?
Why the Hunza people live so long is still the subject of much research, including a study by researchers in 1986. “Hunza is a dream place for every Western writer and they love the concept of Hunza,” Ahmed writes. “They are fascinated by longevity and come here to learn its secrets. Is it apricot? Is it glacier water? (It's murky but said to contain very healthy minerals. Or is it the local wine? These physical factors may be important, but not so much, the social organization and social behavior of this place. ”
How the people of Hunza escape the disease
Research on the Hunza tribe focuses on their high level of physical activity as the key to good health. The Hunza people live in a mountainous area with extremely rugged terrain. The village is incredibly isolated and built into the side of a cliff. Some villages are more than 1,000 years old, and the roads are rugged, the ridges are steep, and farmlands require long walks.
But there are other factors to their health, and it's not entirely true whether they're avoiding disease or not. A 2021 study focused on high blood pressure (hypertension), which involved 425 people from five villages in Hunza, found that around one in three people had high blood pressure, with many cases linked to diabetes. found.
However, the Hunzas were known for:
- Eat more produce and less meat in your diet (though meat is often preserved for the winter)
- Usually do not smoke (only 47 people in the study group smoked)
- become physically active
- Obesity rate is relatively low
On the other hand, certain cultural practices (such as salty tea consumed in winter) can have negative effects on the health of the vulnerable Hunza people.
What we can learn from the people of Hunza
Research on the Hunza people has offered many theories regarding their longevity, including the intake of minerals and antioxidant-rich water. This has been cited as a health and longevity benefit for other people living in mountains around the world.
Other health benefits of the Hunza lifestyle include diet, exercise, and social connections.
follow an anti-inflammatory diet
There is evidence that some people in the Hunza region are eating more meat than they used to. But as it turns out, the people of Hunza eat a mostly raw, plant-based diet. Apricots, cherries, grapes and peaches are all grown by the Hunza people.
They also eat a lot of grains such as wheat, barley, and millet. Chapati, their daily bread. What they don't eat is processed foods, which may help explain their lower oxidative stress levels and oxidation-related health disorders such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
daily exercise
Quite apart from the actual experience of the people of Hunza, the health benefits of exercise are well documented. These benefits include:
- Improves muscle tone and bone health, helping prevent injuries
- Heart health, including stroke prevention
- Respiratory health and chronic lung disease prevention
- Metabolic benefits such as managing insulin and cholesterol levels
- Improved cognitive function and sense of well-being
Prioritize your mental health
Researchers found that the Hunza people benefit from social connections in a culture that has historically had fewer stressors and prioritized community and relationships. Although life has changed (e.g. due to climate impacts) and become more complex, this situation remains the same.
The associated mental health benefits stem from a strong sense of identity within Hunza's villages, and the underlying values may apply to your life as well. Consider making time for your mental and emotional well-being, participating in your favorite hobbies and activities, and staying connected with family and friends.
summary
Researchers have long been interested in the Hunza tribe, with some studies on their health and longevity dating back more than 100 years. Although some claims about the Hunzas have reached mythical status, evidence exists that points to the reasons for their longevity and underlying lifestyle.
The Hunzas live in a remote mountainous region and remain isolated even as technology transforms daily life. That often means a more physically demanding lifestyle, with lots of exercise, as well as a healthier plant-based diet and water sources. Reducing stress levels can have health-protecting effects, and this is one strategy derived from the Hunza people that could benefit your life too.