There are a variety of factors that can influence height and body size, including genetics, nutrition, and overall health. Studies have shown that people of Mongolian descent tend to be taller and larger than other populations, likely due in part to their genetic heritage. Additionally, a diet rich in protein and other nutrients may also contribute to their overall size. However, it is important to note that not all Mongolians are tall and big and it is a generalization.
Mongolian Diet
Though I am not Mongolian, from my travels there, I can tell you that the traditional Mongolian diet is based heavily on meat and dairy products. Beef, mutton, and horse meat are commonly consumed, along with milk, cheese, and yogurt. These foods are high in protein, which can contribute to overall growth and development. Additionally, traditional Mongolian cuisine also includes a variety of vegetables, such as turnips, carrots, and onions, as well as grains like barley and wheat. These foods provide essential vitamins and minerals that can support overall health and well-being.
These foods are calorie dense, hence I think it’s the reason why a lot of Mongolians if not tall tend to be a very stocky and broad or wide type of people.
Were Medieval Mongols Tall?
It is difficult to say for certain whether medieval Mongols were tall as a group, as there is limited data available from that time period. Try reading this interesting article: Genghis Khan’s Height: How Tall Was He?
However, it is likely that many of them were taller than the average person of their time. The nomadic lifestyle of the Mongols, which included hunting and herding animals, would have provided a diet rich in protein and other nutrients that can support growth and development.
Additionally, the harsh and physically demanding environment in which they lived would have been selected for individuals with strong and resilient bodies. The fact that the Mongol Empire conquered most of Asia and Eastern Europe, where the population was shorter than they may have led to the generalization that they were tall.
When it comes to body build, Mongolians were certainly wide and very bulky especially compared to other Asians such as the Chinese Korea,n and Japanese since their diet consisted mainly of rice and grains whereas Mongols ate plentiful proteins and heavy hardy foods.
Are Modern Day Mongolians Tall?
From my experiences in Mongolia, the younger generation definitely was taller!
I am close to 6 feet and slightly above average in a lot of European countries and America, but it wasn’t uncommon to come across kids that were tall as me or even quite taller. I think due to recent development and better healthcare, nutrition, and diet, Mongols are getting a lot taller.
The older generation of Mongolians was shorter, so I definitely see a generational gap like in many Asian countries during my travels around Asia.
Are All Mongolians Bulky and Big?
I can tell you that it is a stereotype that not all Mongolians are bulky and big. Like any other population, body types and physical characteristics can vary greatly among individuals of Mongolian descent. Factors such as genetics, nutrition, and overall health can all play a role in determining a person’s size and build. It is also important to remember that making generalizations about any group of people based on physical appearance is not accurate.
The younger kids generally seemed slimmer and into more Korean fashion or look whereas the older generation didn’t mind putting on weight.