How the Tsimane live: Low fat diet and LOTS of children

ONE of the last groups in the world which survives only by foraging, fishing and hunting, the Tsimane has remained isolated from modern society for over 300 years.

The tribe, which is made up of around 13,000 people, live in 80 small villages, spread throughout the rainforest.

Their diet is rich in high-fibre carbohydrate, with more than 70 per cent of it consisting of rice, plantain, corn, nuts and fruits. They eat just 38g of fat a day, 11g of saturated fat and no trans fats.

Protein, from animal meat, accounts for only 14 per cent of the diet and fat another 14 per cent. They also brew beer using a starchy root called manioc in huge vats. This drink is a crucial part of social events which bring together families and villages.

They are very active, with men spending an average of six to seven hours a day engaged in physical activity, and women spend four to six hours.

However, despite the health of the adults, child mortality is high among the Tsimane – the average family has nine children, but about 5 per cent die before their first birthday and 15 per cent die before the age of five.