Posted by Velinda on August 12, 2002 at 12:33:47:
In Reply to: Huh? posted by Velinda on August 09, 2002 at 12:28:02:
Just thought I'd mention that in addition to a very high carb and moderate protein diet - I eat a whole lot of fat. Butter, olive oil (tons), potato chips, etc. and my cholesterol levels are below normal (last test was 3.4, Canadian numbers). Perhaps the higher fat is actually the key?
Certainly the majority of the population of the world eats very highly refined carb diet. I could never find brown rice in Asia (north, central, south east or india/nepal), whole wheat pitas in the Middle East, whole wheat pasta in the Mediterranean, etc., and white bread is a staple through central/eastern Europe: from Poland to Turkey!
Countries like sub-Sahara Africa eat corn (maize) as their source of carbs, sometimes supplemented with pumpkin or beans. Northern Africans eat a rather Middle Eastern diet including lots of white flat breads. In Morocco, the carbs were cous cous (cracked white wheat), potatoes and white flat bread.
Central and South Americans eat lots of corn and beans - at higher altitudes, potatoes are also a carb source. Same with most people in the Caribbean. All of these cultures also eat loads of fruits and veggies (budget willing), but the poorest of the poor subsist on carbs alone. Certainly meat is a treat and reserved for special occasions. Eggs and milk/milk products are eaten by those who farm/can afford to buy them.
Fats are widely used by those who can afford them. From China to Thailand, Greece to India - carbs & oils are very widely eaten. Deep fried snacks, stir fried foods swimming in oil and meat dishes all come with heaps of extra oil or butter. Just before serving, more oil (especially olive oil, where indigenous) is liberally applied :)
But the truth is, with the exception of corn (which is ground "whole") most of the population of the world eats refined carbs as their main food (calorie) source. This is well documented on the internet and in libraries. As R. Carter points out, obesity is not really a problem in the “majority” (developing) world (exception noted: the “rich” in developing countries tend to be overweight, it is a sign of prosperity to over-eat. I was frequently asked in India, as a compliment, how I managed to stay so plump. At 70 kg and 173 cm…I towered above most of the local gals!).