Tag: Hunza valley

While sensationalized claims of near-immortality have been debunked, the Hunza people of northern Pakistan are still known for their remarkable health and vitality. This exceptional well-being has led many to ask, why are Hunza the healthiest people in the world?

Despite a widespread misperception, the traditional Hunza diet includes little to no alcohol. The misconception often arises from travelers encountering a locally distilled apricot or mulberry spirit, colloquially and incorrectly referred to as “Hunza Water”. To understand whether Hunza people drink alcohol, it is important to examine the nuances of their traditional lifestyle, religious practices, and modern influences.

While many discard the hard stone of an apricot, several cultures eat apricot kernels, utilizing them in traditional medicine and culinary creations. However, these kernels contain amygdalin, a compound that releases cyanide, making proper preparation a critical safety step.