This post isn’t about the modern “health and wealth” gospel–though I certainly have thoughts on that. No,  it’s about the link between health and material prosperity–does one lend itself to the other?

Most people are generally aware that statistically, Americans are among the most obese in the world, and suffer a plethora of health problems as a result. We’re also a very wealthy nation. It would seem, then, wealth doesn’t equal health. Can you be poor and healthy? I would say that in America, we’re trained to believe not. Many of us conjure up media images of malnutritioned, third-world babies and children, and while I agree that this does happen, it may not be the default. Certainly in war-torn areas or places with challenging climates or geography–but not, from what I have seen, in this particular locale.

Many of the people we meet here drink tea every day for breakfast (made with milk rather than water, which we have yet to get used to); a typical lunch would include corn or rice and beans. Supper–almost always ugali, along with some vegetables. A snack might include a banana, other fruit, or even sugar cane picked up at the local market while out and about. Truthfully, this seems to me a pretty balanced diet. Compare that to the average American, who consumes far more calories than they expend and often indulges in high-fat fast food, overly processed “convenience” foods, and many of the like that are, frankly, devoid of much of the nutrition that the body craves. One, the diet of the “poor” and the other a result of opulence. Which results in better health? Looking at the folks here, I would venture to guess the former. Granted, I’ve seen some overweight Africans–but they honestly tend to be those who are wealthier by comparison.

Paradoxically, there is a movement in America toward better health, which involves getting back to “healthy fats” like coconut oil and real butter and eating non-GMO and organic foods. It may also include high-priced supplements. All of these are actually more expensive than going to McDonald’s and buying a dollar menu burger. So, in that respect, better health may be a result of greater wealth. Or better said, better health requires wealth.

One thing we’ve found interesting as we’ve purchased seeds for our upcoming garden is that heirloom seeds are almost impossible to come by here. Most everything is GMO and hybrid. Why? Because with these types of seeds, the locals can get a higher yield and less disease–in other words, a more profitable crop. And not only are they becoming slaves of the seed companies, I also believe they’re selling out their health…for wealth.

This post isn’t really about drawing conclusions; honestly, I’m not sure I have any. Just a handful of observations, for what it’s worth.