Goshen

Gr 9 Up—Living in deep canyons equal to the size of four Grand Canyons, the indigenous Tarahumara of northwestern Mexico are known for their long-distance running endurance. They are lightning fast on their feet, which are normally bound with thin, flat soles secured with string—the Tarahumara also go by the name of Rarámuri, which means "light-footed." In this illuminating documentary, university researchers and scientists study this remarkable population in the remote depths of the Copper Canyons. They have discovered that the Tarahumara are naturally healthy, with no cancers, diabetes, or hypertension. They live a simple lifestyle and eat a healthy nutritious diet. In fact, doctors and scientists have closely examined their food, which comes from, for the most part, wild vegetation, some cultivated. More than 200 of their indigenous plants have blood sugar-lowering properties and medicinal qualities. One specific food scientists found in large quantities was the chia plant, which has been around since the days of the Aztecs. Upon closer examination, it was discovered that the chia gives the runners sustainable energy and contains omega-3, fiber, protein, and antioxidants.