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Research of Glacier Waters and Lifestyle in Hunza Pakistan
As early scientists were interested in the properties of water containing silicate mineral derivatives and their possible relationship to health, research was directed towards this area. It was found that inhabitants of glacier regions often had associated longevity and health. Hunza Pakistan, the location of the Ultar glacier, was one of the areas of primary interest, and although it was not easily accessible to outsiders because of the difficulty in traversing the routes into the land, several researchers made the journey. Visitors needed permission directly from the king in order to enter the land. Writers, health researchers, a team of cardiologists, and geologists who were interested in verifying the legends of long life and optimal health managed to obtain permission to enter Hunza in the 1960s and 70's. Geologists tested glacial waters for their composition and others published observations of the lifestyle, habits, diet, longevity and health of the inhabitants (Leaf 1973, Murray 1984, Keller 1978, Keller and Feder 1979, Taylor 1964,1962).
 Although research was somewhat limited, the findings of those that observed this community directly, suggested that the inhabitants did tend to experience a longer and healthier life without typical diseases usually inflicting people of other regions. Cardiologists observed and reported that the heart health of centenarians in this area was exceptionally good and may have been a factor in delayed aging {Murray & Murray 1984). Health researchers reported several factors in this community that added to their well being such as community participation of the elderly, a high fruit and vegetable diet and exercise (Leaf 1973, Murray 1984, Taylor 1964).
Geologists were primarily intrigued with the fact that the only available water source was glacier water with numerous dissolved silicate minerals (Keller and Feder 1979). A group of geologists who studied and analyzed the content of glacier waters throughout the world, were curious as to the possible role of silicate minerals in drinking water that might play an important role towards the health and longevity of these inhabitants (Keller 1978). Keller was particularly interested in the silicate mineral content of glacier waters and predicted in the 1970's that water with these minerals might be provided to consumers in the future {Keller 1978). He was aware that not only did the waters contain numerous elements like calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and others important to health, but silica minerals forming somewhat larger conglomerates with colloidal properties helped in the specific bonding and "slow release" of transported nutrients. As discoveries of silicate mineral properties began to unfold it was noticed that small colloidal minerals provided by the drinking water had several functions that could have a positive affect on health and longevity.
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