Tanzanians switching to a Western diet: what effects has it had on their health?

They also showed increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a characteristic marker of inflammation, along with a weakened immune response (with reduced production of cytokines) to certain pathogenic bacteria, particularly Candida albicans.

For the researchers, this 'inflammatory rebound' is partly explained by increased intakes of saturated fats and sugars, but not solely.

It is also thought to result indirectly from an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis) and the weight gain observed.

Conversely, a return to a traditional African diet rich in fibre and the consumption of mbege were associated with lasting anti-inflammatory effects.

These results suggest that switching from a traditional African diet — consisting mainly of fruit, vegetables, cereals, legumes and fermented products — to an industrialised Western diet causes a kind of 'physiological shock' that alters immune and metabolic functions.

Such dietary changes, which tend to occur in urban areas of sub-Saharan Africa, could partly explain the observed upsurge in cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic inflammatory conditions.

It should be noted, however, that this study does not undermine traditional European diets — such as the Mediterranean diet, which is widely acclaimed for its many health benefits (2).

Nor does it condemn the industrialisation of the food industry, which still feeds billions of people around the world, but rather its excesses — such as ultra-processed ready-made meals, additives, etc.

Exploring remedies in traditional African medicine

In addition to food, many substances derived from traditional African medicine are of growing scientific interest.

Moringa: a super-plant that regulates blood sugar levels

Nicknamed the ‘miracle tree’ for its exceptional nutritional properties, moringa (Moringa oleifera) is grown in tropical regions of Asia and Africa.

Rich in vitamins A, C and E, as well as essential amino acids and minerals (calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, etc.), it is an integral part of many programmes designed to combat malnutrition around the world.

Its leaves also contain isothiocyanic compounds, which help maintain normal blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity (Organic Moringa is based on an extract of Moringa leaves from organic farming) (3).

Desmodium: the liver's ally

Native to West Africa, Desmodium (Desmodium adscendens) is a climbing plant in the Fabaceae family, long used by Cameroonian healers to treat jaundice and liver problems.

It combines a synergy of active ingredients (vitexin, isovitexin, saponosides, D-pinitol, etc.), giving it a powerful hepatoprotective action (4).

This is why naturopaths frequently recommend it to drain and cleanse the liver as part of detox cures, for example (the high-dose Desmodium Liver Detox formula contains 400 mg per capsule).

Baobab fruit: a natural tonic

The baobab (Adansonia digitata), or 'tree of life', is exceptionally long-lived, with an estimated lifespan of up to 2,000 years!

The pulp of its fruit, which is very tart, is traditionally used in Senegal to make a drink called bouye, appreciated for its tonic properties (due to its record vitamin C content, which is said to be 6 to 10 times higher than that of oranges).

Studies have also looked at its potential effects on blood sugar regulation (5). In cosmetics, it is also used in moisturising masks.

Kimere: a mine of probiotics

The Mbeere community in Kenya is very fond of kimere.

This fermented pearl millet porridge concentrates unique probiotic strains – including Lactobacillus fermentum K7-Lb1, K8-Lb1 and K11-Lb3 – which help to balance the intestinal microbiota (6).

It has since inspired the development of innovative food supplements (such as the SlimBiotics® compound in our L. Gasseri & SlimBiotics® duo formula, ideal for slimming diets) (7).

African plum: a prostate support

Pygeum africanum is the scientific name of the African plum tree, an evergreen that can grow up to 25 m tall.

Its bark, which contains large quantities of beta-sitosterol, is thought to help relieve prostate problems linked to benign hypertrophy (8).

Studies have also highlighted its ability to reduce prostate inflammation and improve urinary flow (the ProstaNatural Formula synergy combines African plum with other plants dedicated to urinary and prostate comfort, such as saw palmetto and nettle root, for enhanced efficacy) (9-11).