By Professor Don Beaven

Press, 28 February 1981, Page 10

B y Professor Don Beaven

dred years period they had slowly evolved a compromise with the environment so that the lower red cells and blood iron levels led to an adaptive balance, If this is indeed the correct explanation, and the differences are not due to the accumulation of toxic trace minerals, then this is a unique observation on what is called an ecologial inter-dependence of diet and disease, r- ~ • ■■■

It has been previously argued in these columns that we do not have the ability to adapt quickly to major changes in the food we eat.

Our absorptive and storage mechanisms have slowly evelved during at least the last two million years.

Enormous changes in our choice of foods have taken p'ace since . the Industrial Revolution, but up to IOCO generations may be needed for major evolutionary adjustment.

We in New Zealand should always be looking back to see what our ancestors ate 500, or even 5000 years ago. If we can accept the example of these unique asd ,exciting findings by a group of expatriate New Zealanders,. we may find the meals our ancestors ate are much more healthy for us.