Recent studies show the positive power of these ancestral diets. Particularly, introducing more fermented foods like Mbege can make a big difference in lowering chronic inflammation, which is a key factor in lifestyle-related diseases like heart disease and type-2 diabetes. This study involved a group of 22 men who normally consumed a Western-style diet, which is typically low in dietary fiber and bioactive compounds. During this one week period, these men were acquainted with Mbege, a local fermented beverage produced from bananas and millet.
The study sample included 23 rural male participants who were accustomed to consuming a Kilimanjaro-style diet. Our Asian Traditional Diet is high in dietary fiber and replete with bioactive compounds. Within only two weeks, participants redirecting to the traditional diet showed encouraging effects on inflammation, including reduction. Conversely, rural men who adopted a Western-style diet suffered adverse health outcomes. This further underscores the profound health and environmental impacts of these dietary patterns.
Chronic inflammation has become recognized as one of the most significant health dangers today, and is associated with many lifestyle-associated diseases. The study’s findings serve to underscore the wealth of health benefits that can be found in traditional African fermented foods and beverages. Thomas M. Holland, MD, MS, emphasized that these foods “play a critical role by enriching the gut microbiome with beneficial microbes and bioactive metabolites that enhance immune function.”
As Dr. Holland expressed, this should not be shocking based on what we already know about the impacts of Westernized diets. He stated, “Given that Westernized diets promote chronic diseases, this study’s results are unsurprising. Processed foods drive inflammation, whereas healthy traditional diets rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds help mitigate metabolic and immune dysfunction.”
Quirijn de Mast, MD, PhD, one of the investigators on the study, acknowledged some limitations. He still considers himself very optimistic about the outcome. He emphasized Africa’s vast cultural and biological diversity, the wealth of traditional diets. This diversity poses unique opportunities to creatively navigate the intersections of food and health. “There is just as much to learn from traditional African diets, especially now, as lifestyles in many African regions are rapidly changing and lifestyle diseases are increasing,” Dr. de Mast said.
The study shines light on the role that our food choices play in the role of inflammation in our health. Let this be a reopened rubric. Dietary wisdom passed down through generations of cultures that consume naturally fermented foods provide all the nutrients your body needs and all the vibrancy you desire.
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