This Secret Will Prevent You From Developing Heart Disease

Apr 10, 2018

You don't need a scientist to tell you how unhealthy pizza, burgers, and fries are. The Western diet is notably one of the worst diets in the world. This new research on indigenous hunters and gatherers in South America published by The Lancet may make you want to change the way you eat. Americans are five times more likely to develop heart disease than them.

The researchers collected data from 85 villages of the Tsimane people. The risk of heart disease was calculated in 705 of these people.

CT scans and other medical devices were used to analyze important biological influencers like blood pressure, inflammation, heart rate, and even looking at how hardened their arteries are.

A whopping 85% of the participants had a 0% risk of heart disease. 13 % had a minimal chance of developing heart disease.

If you compare these figures to Americans, the results are frightening. In an American study that measured the risk of heart disease in 6,814 participants, only 14% of people were at no risk of developing heart disease. Over half of the participants had a moderate to high risk.

Although there are many factors that cause heart disease, the researchers believe that the Tsimani people's lifestyle is why they are so healthy.

A majority of their day is spent being physically active by hunting or gathering food. Only 10% of their day is spent resting.

Opposed to Americans, whose diets are overpowered by meat, the Tsimani get the majority of their energy from fiber-rich carbs. Smoking is uncommon, and fat is rarely consumed.

Most of our days are spent being inactive. Whether we have desk jobs or spend all of our free time on the couch, Americans could benefit from moving more. 

Although these results don't mean we have to drop everything in life and go live with the Tsimani, this research is more evidence that we need to move more, eat more mindfully, and quit smoking. 

Adopting a more plant-based diet not only has innumerable health benefits, but it's also incredible for the environment and the animals.

Are you ready to take the leap and live a better life? Be sure to educate your friends and find a fitness buddy.