Statistically, of all the countries in the world the Dutch, or people from the Netherlands (Holland) are the tallest. The average Dutch adult, according to the statistics, is six foot one inch tall, although they don't measure in inches and feet there. That translates out to 1.85 meters.
Next in line are those from Denmark, the Danes. They average six feet (1.83 meters) for an adult, just slightly less than their Dutch neighbors. Third are people living in the U.S.A., who average an adult height of five foot ten (1.78 meters). Americans DO still measure in feet and inches, so I guess I didn't need to do the conversion there.
Now, here's the surprise. The U.S. used to have the tallest people on average, while a hundred years ago the Dutch were much smaller than they are today. Supposedly during World War I, a full twenty-five percent of Dutch men who tried to enlist in the military were rejected for being too short. The height limit was 5'2″ (1.57 meters).
There are a couple of reasons for this change in stature. Genetics, of course plays a part in the equation, but the genetics in the Hollanders hasn't really changed significantly in the past hundred years. Experts who have studied the height statistics offer this.
Back in the early 1900's Holland had some problems. Poor nutrition and long years of bad crop production seriously affected the population while the same time in the U.S. were boom years. The Dutch have come a long way with their emphasis on child health care but, perhaps even more importantly, they are known to consume a diet high in dairy products (bone-building calcium) and protein.
Americans have gone the other way, not only with diet but also with an influx of immigrants who come from countries where the adults are typically smaller in stature.
I hope you've found this information interesting, but perhaps you're wondering what it has to do with you, and how can you become taller. There are lots of things you can do to help realize your growth potential, including sleep habits, exercise regimens and supplements. But diet is key.
Make sure you consume lots of calcium-rich foods. One way to do this is to drink lots of milk. This is especially important when you're doing growth exercises. The calcium will strengthen your bones. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “The average dietary intake of calcium by children and adolescents is well below the recommended levels of adequate intake.” So remember, lots of milk, cheese and yogurt. Have a milkshake with an egg, that way you'll be getting the protein you need too. And it's tasty!