Plantains, cassava and fermented banana drink should be added to global healthy eating guidelines alongside the olive oil, tomatoes and red wine of the Mediterranean diet, say researchers who found the traditional diet of people living in Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro region had a positive impact on the body’s immune system.Traditional foods enjoyed in rural villages also had a positive impact on markers of inflammation, the researchers found ina study published this monthin the journal Nature Medicine.Dr Quirijn de Mast, one of the paper’s authors, said they were now in a race against time to record and study the potential benefits of African heritage diets before they disappear as people move to cities and adopt western-style eating habits.“Time is ticking because you see that these heritage diets are being replaced more and more by western diets,” he said. “We will lose so much interesting information [from which] we can learn – and not only for Africa.”View image in fullscreenA man drinks banana beer, or mbege.Photograph: James Gifford-Mead/AlamyIn previous research, the team had established that people following the traditional way of life in rural areas had a different immune-system profile to urban dwellers, with more anti-inflammatory proteins. Chronic inflammation is a key driver of many non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including rheumatoidarthritis and Alzheimer’s disease.The new study set out to establish whether diet played a role. For a fortnight, 77 young men in their 20s and 30s were switched from heritage to western-style diets, or the reverse – with blood samples taken at the start and end, and again four weeks later.Meals on the heritage dietmenuincluded green plantain mixed with kidney beans, boiled chicken served with green vegetables and brown rice and beans. On the western-style menu, they included pizza, fried chicken and french fries and spaghetti served with beef stew.Those newly adopting a western-style diet saw inflammatory markers in their blood increase and tests suggested their immune systems did not respond as well to infections. They also gained weight. By contrast, switching from a western diet to a heritage diet had a largely anti-inflammatory effect, and blood markers linked to metabolic problems fell.In a third arm of the trial, participants following a western-style diet were asked to drink the local fermented banana beverage, known asmbege, for one week. That group also saw improvements in markers of inflammation.For Dr Godfrey Temba, the first author of the paper and a lecturer at KCMC University in Moshi, Tanzania, the findings were not a surprise. “When we are in most of the villages, talking to elderly people [of] 80 or 90 years, they are very healthy. They don’t have any health complications [and] they tell you about consuming this type of diet and this beverage since they were 25.”Snack attack: how the west exported unhealthy eating to Africa and AsiaRead moreHowever, the diet and its benefits have not been explored and documented – unlike the traditional diets of the Mediterranean and Nordic countries, which arepromoted by the World Health Organizationfor their beneficial effects.Temba said: “We think this is the right time … so that [African heritage diets] can be also included in the global guidelines of diets, because they really have a health benefit – but because it’s not studied extensively, it’s not easy to convince [people] that they are healthy, because you don’t have enough data.”The diet’s components, such as flavonoids and other polyphenols, and its impact on the gut microbiome were likely to play a part in the observed effects, De Mast said.The study was conducted only in men for logistical reasons, but the researchers said they would expect similar findings in women, and for benefits to be maintained over time if people continued the diets.Many African countries are facing rising rates of NCDs such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease.View image in fullscreenThe Tanzanian food eaten on the trial included dishes such as green plantain with kidney beans and boiled chicken served with green vegetables.Photograph: Miguel Serrano Ruiz/Getty ImagesDe Mast, who holds positions at KCMC University and Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands, said research priorities in Africa had historically been determined by countries in the global north with a focus on infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV. “Research on [things like] immunology has been neglected. I hope it will change now, with the rapid rise in NCDs, because that will be a major challenge for health systems across Africa.”Nutritional guidelines also tended to “translate what we know from the north to Africa”, he said. “I think you should have, really, region-specific recommendations based on scientific data.”The team is now testing what impact adopting a heritage diet can have on Tanzanians living with obesity, including whether it can boost their response to vaccines, and plan to compare different regional heritage diets.“There’s so much diversity in dietary patterns across Africa – or [even just] in Tanzania,” said De Mast. “Godfrey is in Kilimanjaro region, but 30km down the road there is the Maasai tribe and their diet is entirely different. It’s mainly animal protein based – still, traditionally, cardiovascular disease was almost absent.“So I think this is just the beginning of research looking at these heritage diets.”
Move over, Med diet – plantains and cassava can be as healthy as tomatoes and olive oil, say researchers
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Study Advocates for Inclusion of African Heritage Diets in Global Health Guidelines"
The Guardian
8.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Recent research has highlighted the health benefits of traditional diets from the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania, suggesting that foods such as plantains, cassava, and fermented banana drinks should be included in global healthy eating guidelines alongside staples of the Mediterranean diet like olive oil and tomatoes. The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, found that these traditional foods positively influenced the immune system and reduced markers of inflammation in the body. Dr. Quirijn de Mast, a co-author of the study, emphasized the urgency of documenting the advantages of African heritage diets before they are replaced by Western diets as urbanization increases. The researchers noted that such heritage diets, which have not been extensively studied, could offer valuable insights into healthy eating that could benefit not only Africa but also the global community.
The research involved a dietary intervention with 77 young men, who were switched between traditional and Western diets over a two-week period. Results showed that those who adopted a Western diet experienced increased inflammatory markers and weight gain, while participants who switched to a heritage diet exhibited anti-inflammatory effects and improved metabolic health. Notably, even a week of consuming the local fermented banana beverage led to positive changes in inflammation markers. Dr. Godfrey Temba, the lead author, remarked on the health of elderly villagers who have maintained such diets for decades. As rates of non-communicable diseases rise across Africa, the researchers call for more focus on the health benefits of regional diets, advocating for dietary guidelines that reflect local food traditions and scientific evidence rather than merely adapting Northern dietary models. The team plans to further investigate the impact of heritage diets on health outcomes in Tanzanians, particularly those living with obesity, to explore their potential in improving vaccine responses and overall well-being.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights research findings that suggest traditional African diets, particularly those rich in plantains, cassava, and fermented banana drinks, may have health benefits comparable to the Mediterranean diet. This analysis delves into the implications of these findings, the motivations behind the article, and the potential societal impacts.
Purpose Behind the Publication
This piece aims to elevate awareness about the nutritional value of African heritage diets, which are at risk of being overshadowed by Western dietary habits. By presenting research that underscores the health benefits of these traditional foods, the authors encourage a reevaluation of global healthy eating guidelines to incorporate diverse dietary practices.
Public Perception and Messaging
The article is likely intended to foster a positive view of African diets, promoting the idea that they are not only culturally significant but also beneficial for health. By juxtaposing these diets against the more commonly recognized Mediterranean diet, the article seeks to broaden the conversation around healthy eating, thereby validating and uplifting African culinary traditions.
Hidden Agendas or Omissions
There doesn’t appear to be any overt attempt to conceal information. However, the urgency expressed by the researchers about the disappearance of traditional diets might be seen as a call to action that could overshadow other pressing issues related to diet, such as food security or the economic implications of dietary shifts.
Trustworthiness and Manipulative Aspects
The article seems credible, supported by scientific research published in a reputable journal. However, the framing of the narrative may introduce a slight bias, emphasizing the benefits of traditional diets while potentially downplaying the complexities of dietary changes and cultural adaptations.
Comparative Analysis with Other Articles
When compared to articles on nutrition that emphasize Western diets, this piece stands out by advocating for the recognition of non-Western dietary practices. This difference could indicate a growing trend in media to diversify discussions around health and nutrition.
Societal and Economic Impact
The findings could influence public health policies, encouraging governments to integrate traditional diets into nutritional guidelines. Economically, this could spark interest in local agriculture and food businesses, potentially fostering a resurgence in the cultivation and consumption of traditional foods.
Target Audience
The article seems to appeal to health-conscious individuals, nutritionists, and those interested in cultural heritage. It addresses communities that value diversity in dietary practices and are concerned about the loss of traditional foods.
Market Influence and Stock Implications
While the immediate market impact may be limited, increased interest in traditional foods could benefit companies involved in the agricultural sector focused on crops like plantains and cassava. This could lead to potential investments in sustainable farming practices.
Geopolitical Context
The article touches upon cultural preservation amidst globalization, a relevant topic given ongoing discussions about food sovereignty and cultural identity in a rapidly modernizing world. The emphasis on traditional diets aligns with broader movements advocating for the recognition of indigenous practices.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
It’s plausible that AI tools were employed in drafting this article to analyze data or identify trends in dietary research. However, any AI influence would be subtle, primarily in data presentation rather than in the narrative style, which appears to retain a human touch.
Manipulative Elements in Language
While the article is primarily informative, its urgency about preserving traditional diets could be seen as a subtle form of manipulation, urging readers to support these dietary practices without fully addressing potential challenges. This analysis indicates that the article is trustworthy, supported by research, and presents a significant perspective on dietary diversity. It provides valuable insights into health and nutrition while encouraging recognition of the importance of traditional diets in a global context.