The Impact of Nutrition on the Healthy Aging of People In Gilgit Baltistan

Abstract

Hunza Valley, located in northern areas of Pakistan, remains distant from the age of modern development. However, people are known for maintaining sustainable health, and the life expectancy is particularly high in few regions around the world, including Hunza Valley, where people often live beyond one hundred years, with some exceeding 115. Whereas average life expectancy in other areas of Pakistan is only sixty-seven years. The eminent British physician and nutrition Sir Robert Maccarrison was among  the first researchers who conducted scientific studies on the dietary habits of the people of Hunza Valley, Pakistan. The main focus of his studies was to find out the food secrets which leads to their long and healthy life. This article is based on secondary data, reviewed in the form of books, personal experiences, case studies, articles and journals. These sources were examined in detail to understand how the people of Hunza achieved longevity and what specific dietary practices contribute to it. The result indicated that a chemical compounds such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamin or mineral are the essential elements for the healthy life. Certain dietary practices and applications including calorie restrictions, the use of natural herbs, vegetables, traditional medicines, dry fruits, butter, milk and various fruits, along with methods of food productions, consumption, behaviour, and life style play an important role sustaining the active ageing.