A new study published in the journal Nature Medicine suggests that the traditional diet of the Chagga people of northern Tanzania may have health benefits even greater than those of the Mediterranean diet.
The research, carried out on 77 men, looked at the impact of changing eating habits over two weeks. Those who switched from their traditional diet rich in plants, legumes and whole grains to Western-style processed foods showed an increase in inflammation in their bodies. In contrast, those who adopted the chagga diet or incorporated Mbege - a fermented banana drink - saw a reduction in inflammation, which is linked to diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular problems and autoimmune disorders.
One of the most striking findings was that the positive effects of this dietary change were maintained even one month after the experiment. The researchers stress that it is not a question of a specific food, but of the joint effect of the whole diet. They also caution that the benefits of Mbege must be weighed against its alcohol content and risk of contamination.
This study opens the door to rethinking international nutritional guidelines, which are poorly adapted to the cultural and genetic diversity of regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, where traditional diets are being displaced. According to experts, preserving and studying these dietary patterns could be key to combating chronic diseases on a global scale.
Source: euronews.com 06/04/2025 | Nature Medicine