In the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea, there is an island called Kitava. Part of the Trobriand Islands, the total population of indigenous inhabitants is 12,000. Kitava – with its rich culture hidden by lush rain forests and clear blue water – is an idyllic paradise. But it has more to offer than good views.
Untouched by Western influence, Kitava is a haven engineered for well-being. A diet devoid of artificial sweeteners, salt, and processed fat has made Kitavans the picture of health. Unlike the rest of the world, Kitavans rarely, if ever, suffer from chronic ailments like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. And bonus, they enjoy the luxury of smooth, acne-free skin.
Kitavan Diet Backed by Research
For 843 days, researchers, led by Staffan Lindeberg, observed 1,200 subjects, including 300 adolescents and young adults. Over the course of the trial period, not one breakout was reported. Even participants aged 15-25 – when acne is most prevalent – showed not even slightest pimple.
So what’s the secret to the Kitavan clear skin? Well, if you’re thinking it’s exercise, think again. Turns out that Kitavans don’t exercise much and aren’t very active, according to Lindeberg’s team.
If not exercise, then what? Considering how unusual it is for an entire people group to be completely blemish-free, the obvious conclusion would be their genetics. But as it turns out, genetics played little to no role in the study results. “Genetically similar” groups, who don’t follow a largely plant-based diet like the Kitavans, proved to be more susceptible to Western medical conditions. Therefore, the secret lies in the Kitavan diet.
The Simplicity of the Kitavan Diet
The Kitavan diet is special not for any miracle berry or rare nut but rather for its simplicity. That diet consists primarily of tubers, such as yams, sweet potatoes, and taro, as well as fruit (mainly coconut), fish, and vegetables. Moreover, Kitavans are some of the world’s last inhabitants that follow the same diet as their indigenous ancestors.
How Tubers Promote Healthy Skin
- They are rich in vitamin C, which helps promote the healing, growth, and repair of tissues within the body.
- Because tubers are rich in fiber, they not only reduce LDL cholesterol and maintain insulin levels, but they also promote gut health. Alex Caspero, MA, RD, nutritionist for Hum Nutrition, says, “Healthy gut flora reduce[s] inflammation, which can present as acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and other skin issues.”
- In addition, tubers have a low glycemic index. Therefore, they won’t spike blood sugar levels. Heavily-processed, sugar-laden, and carb-loaded foods raise insulin, which causes inflammation and increases oil gland production.
How Coconuts Promote Healthy Skin
- Coconuts fight acne because they contain antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties.
- Like tubers, coconuts also support healthy gut bacteria because they have MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides).
How Fish Promotes Healthy Skin
- Fish are rich in the healthy fat omega-3, which helps the production of healthy gut bacteria.
In Conclusion
If you interested in trying the Kitavan diet, Caspero says to take it slow:
“Try reducing intake of sugar, sugar-sweetened beverages, and items that contain added sugar. With so many dairy-free options on the market, it’s easy to reduce intake of dairy. Besides their intake of fish, the Kitavans eat a predominately plant-based diet, which is consistently shown as the best diet for reduced chronic disease states and longevity. Clear skin is just an added bonus.”
In addition to adopting a Kitavan diet, protect your health by having health insurance. Contact a licensed agent today to get the health plan that fits your needs!
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