Though they are an exception, the Inuit traditionally ate a very high fat diet from coldwater mammals like walrus and obtained omega - 3 fatty acids from it and fish oil and had a very low incidence of cardiovascular disease. It has been determined that they have a genetic disposition to be able to survive if not thrive on this diet. Modern man, on the other hand normally cannot survive on a high fat diet as it will most likely lead to heart disease due to increased cholesterol. Interestingly enough though is Dr Atkins diet which is a low carb relatively high fat diet.