Western diet causes inflammation while traditional African foods protect, new study finds

A recent study has shed light on the impact of diet on the immune system and metabolism, showing that a switch from a traditional African diet to a Western diet for just two weeks can lead to inflammation, reduced immune response, and activation of processes associated with lifestyle diseases. On the other hand, an African diet rich in vegetables, fiber, and fermented foods has positive effects on health.

Published in Nature Medicine, the study conducted by researchers from Radboud University Medical Center and KCMC University in Tanzania focused on the health consequences of dietary changes in Africa. With lifestyle diseases on the rise in the continent due to factors like economic development, urbanization, and the availability of processed foods, understanding the effects of diet on health is crucial.

Seventy-seven healthy men from Tanzania, both urban and rural residents, participated in the study. Some participants switched from a traditional African diet to a Western diet for two weeks, while others made the opposite dietary change. A third group consumed a fermented banana drink daily, and a control group maintained their usual diet. The researchers analyzed immune system function, blood inflammation markers, and metabolic processes at baseline, after the intervention, and four weeks later.

Those who switched to a Western diet showed an increase in inflammatory proteins in their blood, as well as activation of processes linked to lifestyle diseases. Their immune cells also responded less effectively to pathogens. In contrast, participants who switched to a traditional African diet or consumed the fermented drink experienced a reduction in inflammatory markers, with some effects persisting four weeks later.

This study is the first to comprehensively examine the health effects of a traditional African diet. According to internist Quirijn de Mast from Radboudumc, traditional African diets offer unique insights into how food influences health, especially as lifestyles in many African regions change rapidly. The study underscores the benefits of a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, and fermented foods, while highlighting the harmful effects of an unhealthy Western diet high in processed and high-calorie foods.

Inflammation is a key factor in many chronic conditions, making the findings of this study relevant not only to Africa but also to Western countries. The study emphasizes the importance of diet in maintaining a healthy immune system and metabolism.

For more information, the study titled “Immune and metabolic effects of African heritage diets versus Western diets in men: a randomized controlled trial” can be found in Nature Medicine. The research provides valuable insights into the impact of diet on health and highlights the importance of traditional African diets in promoting overall well-being.

This groundbreaking study serves as a reminder of the significant role that diet plays in shaping our health and the importance of maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet for optimal well-being.