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The Diet History of the Eskimo People
Influencing Weight Factors

Written by Sky Taylor, Diet Bites

The Diet of the Arctic Culture

Translation of Eskimo in American Indian: " Eaters of Raw Meat".

Eskimos are among our Greatest of Hunters in the world. Braving the cold of the Arctic region was challenging, and at times, deadly among the ages of history.

The ability to gather nourishment was essential to life; there was no choice in whether to rest at home in warmth, or to brave the elements. They had to do such in order to continue living.

To survive in the Arctic climate, the body requires many more calories than a person would use in a controlled climate. 

A cold climate burns more energy (calories) that a stabilized environment - yet when the climate reverts to one that is very warm or hot, the body also burns energy at an increased rate amid this setting.

Foods that were high in fat provided those necessary calories for energy while assisting in keeping the body warmer in the frigid temperatures. Many times, the protective fur of the seal or polar bear determined the risks of survival amid hunting.

The Eskimo Diet

Foods included in the daily diet of the Eskimo: seals, whales - including the skin, walrus liver, cod, salmon, caribou, bears, fox, rabbits and  geese.

Even though the modern Eskimo diet contains a lot of fat, heart disease within this culture is one of the lowest in the world. Through study and research, a healthy link was found in the fish oil consumed by the Eskimos.

Some other factors that play into the heart-healthy Eskimo people include genetics, physical activity, age and lifestyle.

Caloric Values of the Foods in the Eskimo Diet

Walrus was on the table quite a lot. Let's review the caloric and nutritional values for the meat. In the first column we find the raw harvested meat of the walrus based on per 100 grams OR about 3.5 ounces of meat.

The second column is for dried meat of the walrus, and the third and last column gives the nutrition facts for walrus liver.

Nutrition Facts & Calories in Walrus Oil

We have listed the data for the nutritional elements which register more than zero.

Nutritional Elements

Units

100 grams

Energy, Calories

kcals

900

Total Fat

g

100.00

Cholesterol

mg

120

Vitamin A IU

2600

Nutrition Facts & Calories in Dried Walrus Meat, Walrus Liver

Nutritional Elements

Units

Dried Walrun Meat, 100 grams

Raw Walrus Liver, 100 grams

Energy, Calories

kcals

251

125

Protein

g

57

21

Total Fat

g

2.60

3

Carbohydrates g

0.00

3.50

Iron

mg

43

14.40

Phosphorus

mg

415

208

Thiamin

mg

0.210

0.080

Riboflavin mg

0.790

1.910

Niacin

mg

10.100

0

Vitamin A IU

410

81200

Nutrition Facts & Calories in Raw Walrus Meat

Nutritional Elements

Units

100 grams

Energy, Calories

kcal

199

Protein

g

19.20

Total Fat

g

13.60

Carbohydrates

g

0.00

Calcium, Ca

mg

18

Iron, Fe

mg

9.40

Phosphorus, P

mg

122

Thiamin

mg

0.180

Riboflavin

mg

0.240

Niacin

mg

4.800

Vitamin A, IU

IU

170

Saturated Fat

g

2.570

Monounsaturated Fat

g

8.420

Polyunsaturated Fat

g

2.600

Cholesterol

mg

80

More Notes on the Eskimo Diet

A historical glance at a typical meal enjoyed by the Eskimo people most assuredly held meats cooked with dry heat.

Because of the permafrost, vegetables sources were challenging, particularly when the more brutal temperatures moved in for a long winter's stay.

For years now, the people of Alaska have been using specially designed greenhouses which trap the heat produced by the sun to render tasty vegetables - such as 'hot house' tomatoes.

For a traditional Eskimo feast, enjoy a serving of healthy salmon in your weight loss plan.

Sprinkle with lemon pepper as well as cracked pepper. Roast in the oven or toaster oven on a piece of aluminum foil until fish is flaky and fork-tender.

Related Articles

The History of Ethnic Diets

Hispanic | Oriental | African American  | White American

Irish | Scottish | English Diet | American Indian Diet

The Islander Diet | Aborigine Diet | The Amish Diet

Polish | Middle Eastern Diet | Eskimo Diet

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