The people of the Khunza are long-livers. Lifestyle and food of the people of Hunza

The people of the Hunza live in the north of India. The tribe settled on the shore of the river of the same name. The conditions in which these people live are quite severe. The nearest town is from them in a hundred kilometers.

Longevity is the main phenomenon of the Khunza tribe. The average life expectancy exceeds one hundred and ten years. Some residents even manage to live up to one hundred and sixty, which can not but surprise.

At the age of forty, many in the tribe look like young men or girls. Some women manage to give birth to children at the age of sixty and yet have a slender and attractive figure.

general information

The Himalayas on the map represent a system of mountains, where the tribe of the Hunza settled down. These people are Indo-Europeans. The population is about twenty thousand. The exact place of residence is the high-altitude region of Kashmir, which is controlled by Pakistan. The river Hunza, namely its banks, play the role of home for this nation. Around the huge valley, which is characterized by an indescribable beauty. Because of its appearance, it was called Happy.

The main activity of the people of the Hunza is work on the ground. In addition, the inhabitants make long ascents to the mountains. By the way, the basis of their longevity hunzakut (as they call themselves) consider vegetarianism, constant physical activity and a rich lifestyle.

The people of the hunza are endowed with an attractive and benevolent appearance. Residents always welcome new guests and demonstrate their cordiality in every possible way, despite the fact that living conditions are cruel. They live in small houses, which have only a hole for smoke. Together with people in the dwellings there are also domestic animals, which are separated by a partition. Perhaps, thanks to this crowding, they are warmer, since the houses are practically not heated because of the small amount of firewood. And the cold period is basically about two to four months. The rest of the time, the Hunza nationality spends in nature, working and resting in the fresh air. Wash residents in cold water, which is very clean in those areas.

Life of the people

Councils of elders are the basis of nationality. Inhabitants practically do not commit crimes, therefore there is no necessity of formation of prisons. Hunzakuts suffer extremely seldom, therefore hospitals too are not present. The people of the hunza are the only ones that are not susceptible to oncological diseases. The strongest epidemics also did not harm the population, while many other peoples simply died out.

Curiously, the tribes living in the neighborhood in practically the same conditions can not boast of the same health. Habit for many civilized people toothache for hunzakut is something unusual. The loss of vision of this nationality is also not familiar. Even the oldest inhabitants do not suffer from decrepit skin, bone pains and other inconveniences that are common to many old people.

In addition to resistance to disease, the long-lived people are very hardy. For a man it is common to go, for example, to the bazaar for one hundred kilometers along difficult paths and return in a day. Often residents act as tourists for tourists. The Himalayas on the map occupy a huge area and are a place of visiting of many climbers who also often resort to the help of local residents.

The reason for longevity and health

The first mention of the people appeared in the stories of a doctor from Scotland, who worked for about fourteen years among these people. The long-livers of the world made a strong impression on the doctor with their peculiarities. Many scientists and travelers began later to study the tribe. The result of the research was the conclusion that the secret of longevity is in a special diet.

Of course, many immediately objected that to any diet or resort in the metropolis, still these results can not be achieved. Most people believe that in order to have such health, it is necessary to live in this valley. However, other nationalities that live nearby can not boast such a strong organism, and their average life expectancy is several times less. Such a phenomenon could not be explained for a long time by very different specialists.

The Khunza tribe had only one difference from its neighbors - the lack of protein in the diet. This is explained by the fact that hunzakuts are vegetarians. In whatever conditions a person lives, the right diet is considered the basis of health . Therefore, it is not surprising the difference in the life span of these tribes.

Mac Carrison - a doctor who studies the people, returning to the UK, decided to conduct several experiments on animals. He divided them into two groups. The first part of the animals was fed with food, which is familiar to most human families. The second was fed by the people of the Khunza. The result of the study was the appearance in the first group of diseases to which people are exposed. The second part of the animals, which was fed the same way as the Hunza tribe, remained completely healthy. And it was a miracle.

The people of the hunza often faced with a lack of food, so they always tried to save. In the valley, mainly vegetables and fruits grow, which are the basis of the diet. Livestock is only presented in the form of those animals that bring this or that benefit. They kill him only in the case of old age, that is, when the cattle ceases to benefit the owner. It is in such rare cases that people can consume meat. Nevertheless, this product has an extremely low fat content.

Cakes and various soups are the daily food of the people. They are made with the use of grains. Also, a rather large number of vegetables and fruits is added to this. There are people and milk, but use it rarely and in small quantities, since in this area there are practically no meadows where it is possible to make grazing animals.

Salt in food is used in small quantities, sugar is not produced at all. Nevertheless, even such a meager meal is quite enough for a full-fledged life of the people.

Basic food products

• Fruit. The main and most favorite is apricot. The residents use it completely, that is, along with the skin, and from the ossicles extract a special oil. Apricot takes the top line in their diet. This Indo-European people came up with even a saying about this fruit, which says that a woman will not marry a man who lives where there are no apricots. Also eat apples and some other fruits. In summer they are consumed fresh, and in winter - in dry. Apricot is very useful, because it contains a special substance that helps to quickly remove slags from the body.
• Vegetables. They take, you can say, the second position. Also used in quite a lot. Very often eat potatoes, and without cleaning it. Thanks to the husks, people receive a large number of proteins and minerals. Potatoes are the main vegetable used by the tribe. He even placed himself above the bread.
• Cereals. Almost every day, Junzakuts eat different grains, but mostly wheat and barley. They use cereals in a variety of forms. Often, the grain is eaten entirely. Most often, of course, in the form of bread, which is made with the use of bran. It is thanks to the seeds that the people who do not know the diseases receive the necessary amount of proteins.
• Meat. As already mentioned above, this product falls on the table of hunzakut very rarely. Calcium and protein, which is necessary for the body, the inhabitants receive from grains. If they eat meat, then it is often beef or lamb.
• Milk is used quite rarely and is very appreciated by residents. From such products it is possible to allocate a cheese, which is made from milk of sheep.
• Beans. Many certainly know that this food contains a huge amount of useful substances, especially proteins and minerals. The people of the Hunza in the Himalayas and surrounding areas can mainly grow beans, which are especially rich in protein. Since the inhabitants receive proteins from cereals, they do not need to use a number of legumes in food.
• Greens enter the diet in fairly large quantities. There is a lot of greenery in the valley. In summer, people eat it fresh, and in winter adds dried leaves to many dishes.

Moderation is the basis of health

Due to the hungry periods, the Khunzakutam has to distribute food in such a way as to suffice for a long period. The earth, which can be successfully processed, the people are quite small, so in many ways the diet depends on natural conditions. If in summer people rarely face problems of lack of food, then in the cold time often they have to save.

Particularly hungry months are given closer to the spring. At this time, residents are forced to fast. This lasts for about two months. This period is indicated by the almost complete lack of food. The basis of the ration is a drink, which is made from dried apricots. Over time, such a post grew into a cult, which is very strictly observed.

Basic rules of nutrition

So, having considered what products the long-lived people use the world, it is possible to single out the basic principles that the hunzakuts adhere to. They can even be called a set of rules. Why does this people live so long? Raw meat eaters, according to statistics, have better health. This is the main reason for longevity.

• The use of meat is allowed only in religious or very important celebrations. Particularly important detail - it is necessary to prepare it immediately after killing the animal. Meat is not stored for a long time.
• The diet is based on fruits and vegetables. They are used in raw form. Vegetables can occasionally be stewed.
• Consumption of salt, sugar and other condiments should be in limited quantities.
• Bread in food is used only black. Flour, like meat, is not stored for a long time, it is used immediately after baking for baking. It is recommended to add sprouted grain to the diet.
• Milk and any dairy products should not be consumed in large quantities.
• Especially the use of alcoholic beverages is forbidden. The population only in some special cases drinks wine, which is made from grapes grown in the valley.

How do long-lived Hunza live?

The valley of Hunza does not have any riches, therefore people live very poorly. Nobody will want to voluntarily exchange the usual life and go there. Hunzakutam must be inhabited in a rocky terrain, where there are no fertile soils or forests. In addition, there is often a shortage of moisture. The rains mostly go in cold weather and in small quantities. In general, the water there is very much appreciated, and treat it very carefully.

Animals due to lack of pastures do not grow very large. Cows give a little milk, which almost does not contain fats. Goats and sheep, mostly milk, do not please their owners. The meat of this animal contains many veins and little fat.

Because people often have to simply survive, and especially in the winter. At this time, the population is mainly in their small dwellings, which are deprived even by windows, as it is very important to keep warm. It is quite difficult to store firewood - there are no trees nearby. Stoke their stoves Hunza tribes mostly with small branches and leaves. On them they cook food. You can not find usual furniture in such houses. Sleep and eat almost all family members together. The domestic animal is also forced to live in neighboring rooms, which are divided among themselves by thin partitions.

Already it will scare many. Even to ensure hygiene in such conditions is quite problematic. Due to lack of fuel, it is necessary to wash and wash in cold water. If you want to live in the valley you will have to forget about the soap. Because of the lack of fat, it simply does not have anything to make.

Well, to all that has been said, it should be noted that this people has no education. Most people do not know how to write and read. Only children of high-ranking families can receive a certificate. The people do not have their own culture, poetry, painting, which even the neighboring tribes are endowed with. These people are quite uneducated. The people of the Khunza can only boast of several musicians who come from other tribes.

It is not customary for a tribe to marry between the same family. Generally, in accordance with the history of the people, in their veins does not flow of stranger blood.

The concept of health

Above are the conditions and food, which, in the opinion of the people of hunza, are important for a long life. But now it is necessary to determine what for this tribe means health.

• High level of labor. They show it not only in work, but in entertainment. The Khunzakuts are very hardy, they show their best in labor. The people of this tribe can easily overcome huge distances. It's no problem for him to climb the rocks to the mountains.
• Love of life. Despite the difficult conditions of life and hard work, the Khunzakuts do not lose heart. Even after a difficult climb to the mountains, they laugh and tell jokes.
• Fortress of the spirit. Residents are never angry and do not quarrel among themselves. It is very rare to see someone being nervous or impatient with their family. Very persistently, local people suffer pain.

Tourism

The first who came to the valley were mostly doctors and researchers who wanted to understand the secret of longevity. It is believed that for ordinary people the place was discovered thanks to hippies who in the 70s of last century began to actively visit the countries of Asia in search of something new. Especially the popularity went to the countries of the West. For example, Americans call the apricot today Hunza Apricot. However, the hippies, first of all, went here not for the sake of exotic fruits, but, rather, for Indian hemp.

The grass is grown here not for smoking, but for adding to various dishes. Most travelers travel here to taste juicy apricots, which are not found in other countries. The place is also popular for a lot of climbers and history buffs.

Interesting about the people

One of the legends is the story that this tribe was founded during the Indian campaign of Alexander the Great. The soldiers of the commander formed a small state here. They lived in accordance with strict rules. Residents always had weapons with them and did not part with them even during food and entertainment.

In our country, little is known about this people. The Khunza Valley has been the subject of dispute between Pakistan and India for more than sixty years.

The Soviet Union tried not to get into a dispute and stayed at a distance. For example, in dictionaries the name of the area is, but where it is located, is not specified. On many world maps, you can easily find the designation of the terrain, but not on maps issued in the USSR. Accordingly, they avoided mentioning the nationality and in the mass media. Nevertheless, almost everyone knows about Russia in Hunza.

To prove whether Alexander Makedonsky really worked towards the emergence of this nationality is rather difficult. According to other sources, the foundation was due to the once united Russian people. Nevertheless, there is some kind of mystery in the appearance of this tribe.

A language that is considered popular - burushashi. Until now, scientists who are studying the people of Hunza, could not find a similarity with any language. In addition to it, many residents speak English.

Religion, which professed more than ninety percent of the population of the valley, is Islam, but with some peculiarity that includes many mystical and mysterious aspects. Being in Hunza, the tourist does not hear the call to prayer. This is a voluntary affair, and everyone chooses the time for worship independently.

The river Khunza in the old days represented a dividing line between the principalities Nagar and Khunza. Often there was enmity between them. Especially it was manifested by the theft of children and women with the subsequent sale of them into slavery.

In 1963 the last century the expedition of doctors from France visited the valley, which was struck by the health and life expectancy of the population. Soon in Paris there was a conference on cancer, which stated that this people is not prone to oncological ailments. It was identified by a special organization that conducts research in all regions of the world.

In 1984 there was an amazing case. One of the inhabitants of the Khunza Valley arrived to the UK airport. When he presented his passport to the emigration service, he led everyone into confusion. The document specified the year 1823, respectively, the old man was one hundred and sixty years old. The escort said that the elder is considered a holy people by the Hunza. At the same time he did not have any failures in his memory, and he remembered his whole life perfectly.