How Nutrition Affects Height: The Dutch, Korea and the Dinka
2 min Health
2 min Health
Did you know the Dutch went from some of the shortest people in Europe to the tallest in the world?
Well, if height is only genetics, then how did that happen?
To find out, let's look at three other countries.
One, South Korea. In just one century, its women grew eight inches taller as the country got richer and ate better.
Two, North Korea. Same genes as the South, but after years of hunger, its young men are about two inches shorter, and seven-year-olds up to five inches.
Three, the Dinka of South Sudan. In the 1950s, their men averaged almost six feet.
After decades of war and hunger, Dinka refugees measured in the '90s averaged about five foot nine.
Same tribe, same genes, two inches gone.
So what's the difference? The plate. In a study of 105 countries, the tallest nations got the most protein from milk, cheese, and meat.
The shortest lived where meals are mostly rice with very little protein.
And scientists think that's exactly what happened to the Dutch.
As the country got richer, milk, cheese, and meat became everyday food.
So genes are one key to your height. But while your growth plates are still open, food is the biggest key you control.
That's why you need protein at every meal: milk, eggs, fish, meat, or beans.
And don't skip meals while you're still growing.
Tag a short friend and tell him to stop eating cereal if he wants to grow taller.
If you're tired of being the shortest in class, comparing yourself to everyone, and never knowing what to eat or what to do, you're not alone.
That's why I made the TallMaxing Playbook.
It's built on science and real experience.
What to eat, which exercises to do, and which habits to build.
And you'll join a community of guys who push each other to reach their full height.
Here are results from my students. Comment height for a limited 50% off code.
Follow for more tips.
End of transcript · 335 words
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