A recent study has brought attention to Mbege, a traditional fermented drink made from bananas and millet, highlighting its potential health benefits. Modern production of this fermented beverage has deep roots in the African diaspora. It would dramatically decrease inflammation and enhance metabolic health. The human study involved 22 men who typically eat a Western-style diet. They drank Mbege for a week to investigate the health effects of utilizing traditional foods.
Apart from being a good source of dietary fiber, Mbege is rich in bioactive compounds and polyphenols. These components are widely recognized as beneficial to overall health, in part by decreasing inflammation. To find out, researchers targeted the effects of this one-of-a-kind drink on the health of study participants. Their purpose was to especially address the rising incidence of chronic diseases associated with dietary approaches.
The study’s conclusions highlight the many health benefits of incorporating traditional foods such as Mbege into today’s diets. Thomas M. Holland, MD, MS, is the principal investigator of the study. He focused on the juxtaposition of our ultra-processed foods versus healthy equitable traditional diets.
“Given that Westernized diets promote chronic diseases, this study’s results are unsurprising—processed foods drive inflammation, whereas healthy traditional diets rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds help mitigate metabolic and immune dysfunction.” – Thomas M. Holland, MD, MS
Mbege offers a unique probiotic composition to support metabolic health. Those bioactive metabolites present in the beverage may diversify and increase the levels of positive gut microbiome microbes that enhance immune function.
Quirijn de Mast, MD, PhD, addressed the major importance of traditional African diets. He raised the alarm about their lessons as lifestyle changes take over large swaths of Africa.
“However, there is just as much to learn from traditional African diets, especially now, as lifestyles in many African regions are rapidly changing and lifestyle diseases are increasing. Africa’s rich diversity in traditional diets offers unique opportunities to gain valuable insights into how food influences health.” – Quirijn de Mast, MD, PhD
Mbege is just one example of Africa’s rich tradition of fermented foods and beverages. Research indicates that this one beverage has a remarkable effect on health in just a matter of weeks. Making it part of daily diets would fill an enormous need for people already accustomed to Western diets.
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