Researchers from Radboud University Medical Centre in the Netherlands and KCMC University in Tanzania report that a traditional African, plant-based diet reduced inflammation within two weeks. By contrast, a short-term switch to a Western diet increased levels of inflammatory proteins and weakened the immune response to infections.
The trial involved 77 healthy men from both urban and rural areas. Participants followed different diets for two weeks: a traditional Chagga-style plant diet, a Western-style diet, a daily fermented banana drink (mbege), or their usual diet as a control. Scientists measured immune function, blood inflammation markers and metabolic processes after the intervention and again four weeks later.
Some of the beneficial changes from the traditional diet persisted four weeks after the dietary change ended. The researchers say the findings are important as non-communicable diseases are rising in Sub-Saharan Africa and call for region-specific dietary recommendations and more local research.
Difficult words
- inflammation — body's response causing redness, swelling and pain
- immune response — how body fights infections and foreign substances
- fermented — made by natural bacteria or yeast action
- metabolic — relating to body's chemical processes for energy
- non-communicable disease — long-term illnesses not passed between peoplenon-communicable diseases
- trial — a scientific test with people or groups
- intervention — an action taken to change a health outcome
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you consider trying a traditional plant-based diet for two weeks? Why or why not?
- What challenges might people face when changing from a Western diet to a local traditional diet?
- Why is local research and region-specific dietary advice important for public health in different places?
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