Tag: Arctic nutrition

European explorers famously suffered from scurvy on their Arctic expeditions, yet Inuit populations, living for centuries on a diet of primarily meat, did not. This seeming paradox is explained by the unique nutritional content of their traditional foods and methods of preparation, which provide ample vitamin C, addressing the question of how do Inuits not get scurvy.

Before the 20th century, millions of sailors died from scurvy on long sea voyages, yet native Arctic populations, now known as Inuit, thrived on a diet almost devoid of traditional plant-based foods. This astonishing fact raises the question: why didn't the Eskimos get scurvy?.

Historically, the Inuit, Yupʼik, and Aleut peoples of the Arctic region thrived for millennia on a diet of hunted and gathered animal products, forming the basis of what do you eat in the Arctic. Today, this traditional diet is shifting dramatically due to modern influences and climate change.

Historically, the traditional Inuit diet was highly adapted to the Arctic climate, consisting primarily of hunted and gathered animal source foods due to the limited availability of plant life. This means that what does an Inuit diet consist of is a direct reflection of a resourceful and resilient relationship with a challenging environment.

Genetic research from University College London found that Inuit populations possess specific genetic adaptations for metabolizing fat, allowing them to thrive on a high-fat marine mammal diet. Despite this high fat intake, the traditional Inuit diet is not a true, sustained ketogenic diet in the same way modern keto is practiced.

Despite common misconceptions, the traditional Inuit diet is not entirely free of carbohydrates; sources indicate that some groups derived approximately 10% of their energy from carbohydrates, primarily through animal glycogen and foraged plants. This counters the popular notion that the Inuit consumed a pure zero-carb diet and raises the question: what carbs does Inuit eat?

For millennia, Inuit have thrived in the Arctic on a diet primarily composed of hunted animals, a feat that has puzzled many outsiders. The answer to how do Inuit get nutrients reveals a deep understanding of animal anatomy and a reliance on specific preparation methods, such as consuming meat raw or frozen, to access vital vitamins often lost in cooking.

Despite the severe lack of fruit and vegetables in the Arctic, historically, Inuit people did not suffer from scurvy. The misconception that a largely carnivorous diet leads to vitamin C deficiency is debunked by traditional Inuit nutrition practices, which rely on specific animal-based foods and preparation methods to ensure adequate intake. This has led many to wonder: how do Inuit get enough vitamin C?

According to a 2002 study on traditional foods, several items in the Inuit diet provide rich sources of vitamin C. This nutritional reality explains why Eskimos don't get scurvy, a historical puzzle rooted in the assumption that all animal-based diets are devoid of this essential nutrient.

Research indicates that the traditional Inuit diet provides a rich source of vitamin D, allowing indigenous Arctic communities to maintain adequate levels despite living in regions with minimal sun. This nutritional strategy is a primary way that Inuit get vitamin D, supplemented by unique physiological traits that enhance nutrient utilization.