Were there less documented incidences of cancer and heart disease in the populations of the tropical islanders?
Yes, there were fewer incidences of cancer, heart disease and obesity among the islanders studied. One example can be found in the 1960s studies that were conducted in the South Pacific islands of Pukapuka and Tokelau near New Zealand. These populations ate only natural foods (no refined foods). Coconut foods were the most prevalent, being consumed at each meal in one form or another. While most people in the West were consuming 30 percent to 40 percent of their calories as fat, these islanders averaged between 50 percent and 60 percent of their calories from fat from coconuts. The overall health of both groups was extremely good compared with Western standards. There were no signs of kidney disease, hypothyroidism or hypercholesterolemia; digestive problems were rare and constipation was uncommon.
