Mayans and Aztecs in Central America who eat corn; and Egyptians in the Middle East who eat wheat. Unfortunately, since the global spread of “fossil-fueled” economies beginning in the 1980s, the diets of billions of people have changed to
include obesity- and disease-producing amounts of meat, dairy, and vegetable oils.
Today, the running abilities of the Tarahumara people of the Copper Canyon of Northwestern Mexico, and the East Africans from Kenya and Ethiopia provide undeniable evidence that the healthiest diets for human beings are very high in carbohydrates (natural sugars). Members of these communities have exceptional capacities for performance and endurance, which translates into winning.
Historically the Tarahumara are known to run distances of up to 200 miles in a competitive sport of “kickball” races, lasting several days. Honoring their abilities is the 50-mile foot race called “Ultramaraton Caballo Blanco.” These men and women are noted for their absence of obesity and diabetes, and their very low levels of cholesterol and blood pressure. Carbohydrates, primarily from corn, beans, and squash, make up almost 80% of their diet, and meat consumption is rare.
The exceptional running abilities of the Tarahumara are not due to a genetic advantage. People from the sameancestral linage, the Pima of Southwestern US, have some of the highest rates of obesity, diabetes, and coronary heart disease in the world as a direct consequence of adopting a diet based on meat, dairy, and junk food less than a century ago.
Scientific Research Consistently Favors Carbs
Thorough reviews of the scientific research and position statements from organizations such as the American Dietetic Association, Dietitians of Canada, and the
American College of Sports Medicine recommend a high intake of carbohydrate-derived calories for athletes. The benefits begin as soon as the carbohydrate substances enter the mouth. Their sweetness stimulates the pleasure and reward centers of the brain. Even sweet tasting mouthwashes translate into a benefit for performance of short durations. In longer duration exercise, greater than two hours, where muscle glycogen stores are stressed, performance is enhanced by consuming sugars in simple (table sugar, fruit, etc.) and complex (beans, corn, potatoes, rice, etc.) forms. Athletes also enhance long-duration performance by using manufactured foods and drinks made of glucose and fructose.
What’s the Theory for the Low-Carb Advantage?
Severall writers, long associated with the low-carb, Atkins diet movement, stand out as promoters of a high-meat, high-diary diet for athletes as well as for the general population. (Highly visible names include Noakes, Volek, Phinney, and Westman.) The fairy tale served up to gullible competitors is
that after a period of time (called “keto-adaptation”) the human body adjusts to more fat utilization for fuel, and performance improves. Their “science” is soundly debunked in several reviews: two from a popular website and another from thee Sports Dietitians of Australia.