Numerous scientific studies seek to identify diets that contribute to improving human health and preventing chronic diseases.
Scientists praise the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and has been shown to be effective in preventing many diseases. However, a recent study suggests that the traditional African diet may have even stronger health effects thanks to its unique components, such as millet (an ancient grain belonging to the grass family), root vegetables such as potatoes, and leafy greens.
The study included 77 male volunteers in Tanzania, with an average age of 25. They were divided into different groups to follow a variety of diets: one group, accustomed to the traditional African diet, switched to a Western diet (containing processed meats, eggs, and French fries) for two weeks, while another group, accustomed to the Western diet, switched to the traditional African diet for two weeks.
The African diet included: corn, okra, bananas, red beans, and avocado.
A third group (following a Western diet) was asked to drink mbeggi, a traditional fermented banana drink, for a week. There was also a control group that maintained their Western and African diets. The researchers monitored changes in the participants' blood proteins, which indicate inflammation or metabolic problems.
The results showed that participants who switched to a Western diet experienced increased levels of inflammatory proteins in their blood, meaning their immune cells responded less effectively to pathogens. In contrast, participants who adopted a traditional African diet or consumed the fermented beverage showed significantly lower inflammatory markers in their bodies, and this effect persisted even after four weeks.
Scientists have also discovered that the traditional African diet has a long-term effect in enhancing the body's ability to fight bacteria and viruses, which may help slow the aging process.
The research team explained that this diet, which relies on eating fewer processed foods, has a significant impact on strengthening the immune system and reducing the risk of obesity.
Scientists have confirmed that the Western diet contributes to increased levels of inflammation in the body. This inflammation has been linked to a number of chronic diseases that affect overall health.
Dr. Quirigen de Mast, Associate Professor of Global Health at Radboud University in Nijmegen, noted that previous research has focused on traditional diets such as the Japanese or Mediterranean diet, while traditional African diets have received limited attention.
“There is much to be learned from these systems, especially now that lifestyles in many parts of Africa are changing rapidly, contributing to the rise of lifestyle diseases,” he said.
These findings highlight the importance of changing diets in Western countries where obesity and related diseases are on the rise, especially given the heavy reliance on ultra-processed foods (UPFs).