Amish

GENETIC

As the Amish were prosecuted and migrated all in the same place, and they allowed intermarriage, they are genetic isolate. This isolation and the consanguinity has resulted in the presence of a large number of genetic disorders : dwarfism, various metabolic disorders, and unusual distribution of blood types. About 60 different autosomal recessive diseases have been characterised whereas they are very rare in the outbreak population.

They also have genes that may reduce their susceptibility to cancer : a gene mutation which protects the heart against a high-fat diet has been found in the Amish population : 5% of them have a mutation in a protein which break down fatty particles and this one appears to be rare or absent in the general population.

CONSERVATIVE RURAL VALUES

Although not forbidden or thought of as immoral, most Amish do not practice any form of birth control, hence their large families. They are against abortion and reject use of preventive genetic tests and genetic testing of unborn children to discover genetic disorders. For them, there is a providence of God and a willingness to suffer and they accept everything that could happen as ‘God’s will’.

LIFESTYLE

They have a healthy life : there is very little tobacco or alcohol use and limited sexual partners. They don’t eat junk food.

Their cancer rate is an amazing 72% lower than the national norm. Even skin cancer rates are lower for Amish, despite the fact many Amish make their living working outdoors where they are exposed to sunlight and UV rays. They are typically covered and dressed to work in the sun by wearing hats and long sleeves to protect their skin.

Amish have a traditional diet that is very high in fats and protein : there are plenty of potatoes, gravy, pies and cakes. Their cholesterol levels are actually pretty good relative to the general population, it’s physical activity that’s protecting them : they engaged in six times as much physical activity as did non-Amish...