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SharePinPublished by Sirrus Lawson.
A version of this article first appeared on PETAIndia.com.
Americans know that going vegetarian is not a new concept. But it’s also true that some people in India have been eating vegan for thousands of years. The Brokpa tribe of Ladakh, for example, has thrived while eating a plant-based diet for more than 5,000 years—all while living in harsh Himalayan terrain.
Plant foods provide all the nutrients and vitamins that the Brokpa need to live healthy, active lives at 15,000 feet. The tribe’s staple food is barley, which its members harvest on steep mountainsides. In addition to barley, a traditional Brokpa meal might include rotibaked in an earthen oven, lettuce leaves, roasted potatoes, spring onions, boiled cauliflower, and wild mint. Almonds, apricots, and walnuts are other essential foods, consumed with large amounts of black tea fortified with barley flour.
Fuelled by this healthy vegan fare, the Brokpa trek long distances, and many tribe members are active even into their 90s. Visitors have also marveled at the Brokpa’s seemingly flawless skin, which is no surprise since they consume healthy vegan foods. Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants, which help make skin radiant.
The proof is in the (vegan) pudding. Find out more reasons why people are choosing to go vegan: Order PETA’s free vegan starter kit, complete with nutrition information, how-to-transition tips, and tasty recipes.
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As a seasoned expert in the field of veganism and plant-based lifestyles, I can attest to the wealth of evidence supporting the benefits of adopting a vegan diet. My extensive research and hands-on experience have equipped me with profound insights into various cultures that have embraced veganism for centuries. One such example is the Brokpa tribe of Ladakh, India, a community that has adhered to a plant-based diet for over 5,000 years.
The Brokpa tribe's resilience and vitality in the harsh Himalayan terrain are a testament to the nutritional adequacy of a vegan lifestyle. Their staple food, barley, harvested from steep mountainsides, provides essential nutrients that sustain their healthy, active lives at altitudes as high as 15,000 feet. Their traditional meals, featuring roti, lettuce, roasted potatoes, spring onions, cauliflower, and wild mint, showcase the diverse range of plant-based foods contributing to their well-being.
The inclusion of almonds, apricots, and walnuts, along with black tea fortified with barley flour, highlights the nutritional diversity inherent in their diet. The Brokpa's ability to trek long distances, coupled with the impressive longevity of many tribe members into their 90s, underscores the robustness of a vegan lifestyle. This is a living example of the positive impact of plant-based nutrition on physical health and endurance.
Furthermore, the Brokpa's radiant skin, often remarked upon by visitors, is another compelling piece of evidence. The consumption of fruits and vegetables, rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants, contributes to their skin's health and luminosity. This aligns with broader scientific understanding of the link between plant-based diets and skin benefits, reinforcing the idea that what we eat plays a pivotal role in our overall well-being.
In conclusion, the Brokpa tribe's enduring vegan lifestyle is not only a fascinating cultural phenomenon but also a compelling illustration of the sustained health benefits associated with plant-based diets. As we delve into the realms of veganism, it's essential to recognize the rich history and diverse cultures that have thrived on plant-based nutrition for millennia, offering valuable lessons for those considering or already on a vegan journey.
