Beyond Carbs and Fats: The Real Cause of Chronic Diseases in the Modern World

In this post, I will delve into the fascinating contrast between traditional diets and the modern processed food environment. From the Maasai of East Africa, who thrive on animal-based fats, to the Kitavans and Tukisenta, who rely primarily on carbohydrate-rich foods, these diverse groups have lived free from the chronic diseases that plague modern societies—despite consuming diets that would challenge conventional dietary wisdom. Interestingly, many of these populations, such as the Kitavans and Maasai, smoke regularly yet do not suffer from high rates of cancer or heart disease. This article examines what we can learn from their lifestyles and dietary patterns, emphasizing how processed foods, especially refined carbohydrates and seed oils, are likely at the root of modern health crises. Through the lens of these traditional cultures, I explore how real, whole foods promote health and how the modern diet is undermining it.