Longevity Secrets of GB: A Healthy, Simple Life Close to Nature
Sultan Shoaib
Gilgit: Known for its breathtaking landscapes, towering peaks, glaciers, and serene lakes, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) is also home to some of the longest-living people on earth, especially in its Hunza Valley.
Here, people live well into their nineties and beyond, and their remarkable longevity has attracted the attention of researchers from around the world for decades.
The key to their long lives, researchers suggest, lies in the natural environment and a lifestyle deeply connected to nature.
People in GB live a largely disease-free life, breathing fresh mountain air, consuming locally grown organic food, and staying physically active by walking through hilly terrains. This lifestyle, combined with a diet rich in natural, unprocessed foods, is thought to be the cornerstone of their exceptional health.
The traditional diet of the people in GB, particularly the Hunza Valley, plays a significant role in their longevity. Their meals consist of organic, locally sourced foods such as barley, wheat, apricots, nuts, and fresh vegetables.
Meat is consumed sparingly, and dairy products like butter and yogurt are staple items. The region’s iconic apricots are not only a dietary delight but are also believed to contribute to health and longevity, with apricot kernels used to produce oils rich in antioxidants and Vitamin E.
One of the most vital aspects of the Hunza people’s health is their pure drinking water, sourced from glacial streams.
Rich in essential minerals like magnesium and calcium, this water helps build strong bones, supports a healthy heart, and enhances overall vitality. It’s a critical component of the Hunza lifestyle and is often linked to their long, healthy lives.
Haji Karim, an 85-year-old farmer from Hunza Valley, attributes his long life to the simplicity of his life and his deep connection with nature. “I wake up early and spend my day working in the fields.
My diet is apricots, walnuts, lentils, and homemade bread. We eat what we grow and drink glacier water that keeps us strong,” says Karim. He adds, “We don’t suffer from obesity, stress, or tension. We focus on family and community, sitting together, eating together, and laughing together.”
Dr. Jameel Ahmad, a public health specialist in Gilgit, explains that the longevity of the region’s residents is a testament to the powerful effects of natural living.
“The glacial water in this region keeps the body hydrated and supports vital functions like detoxification and cellular repair,” Dr. Ahmad says. “It’s also rich in magnesium and calcium, which contribute to bone health and cardiovascular function.”
Furthermore, the clean, oxygen-rich mountain air in GB is another vital factor. Unlike urban environments, free from industrial toxins, vehicle emissions, and smog, the crisp, fresh air helps strengthen the respiratory system, boosts immunity, and reduces inflammation.
“The cleaner air ensures strong respiratory systems and enhances lung capacity, which is crucial for maintaining long-term health,” Dr. Ahmad adds.
The active lifestyle in GB also contributes to longevity. People in Hunza engage in physical activities such as farming and walking on mountainous terrain. Physical activity is built into their daily routine, keeping their muscles strong, reducing obesity, and promoting cardiovascular health.
According to Prof. Shahid Karim from Ghezer, “Their simple but highly effective diet, consisting of fresh, locally grown food with low-calorie intake, meets their nutritional needs and helps reduce inflammation. Research suggests that calorie restriction improves metabolism, reducing risks associated with chronic diseases.”
Herbal medicine, another traditional practice in the region, also plays a role in health maintenance. People in GB often rely on nature’s resources for healing, minimizing the need for synthetic drugs that can have harmful side effects.
High altitudes have also helped the people of Hunza adapt to low oxygen levels, enhancing lung capacity and cardiovascular efficiency.
Beyond diet and physical activity, the peaceful, stress-free environment of GB is another key factor in the region’s exceptional longevity.
The absence of noise pollution, industrial waste, and the pressures of modern life allow the residents to maintain a natural rhythm. Strong family and community bonds provide emotional support and reduce stress, making family life and social interaction a central part of their well-being.
In conclusion, the extraordinary longevity of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan is not just a result of their diet or lifestyle but also their strong connection to nature and community. Their simple, active, and stress-free lives, coupled with organic, locally sourced food, pure water, and clean air, offer valuable lessons for all of us.
By embracing a more natural, balanced approach to life whether through eating wholesome foods, staying active, or reducing stress we too can improve our health and well-being.
The people of Gilgit-Baltistan remind us that longevity is not just about adding years to life, but about adding life to those years by embracing simplicity and living in harmony with nature.
The feature story was released by APP on December 22, 2024.
All the information provided in this report is the sole responsibility of the reporter as well as APP.
