Can a traditional African diet help protect against inflammation? | Quirijn de Mast & Tim Spector

ZOE Science & Nutrition

In this groundbreaking episode, Jonathan, Tim, and guest researcher Professor Quirijn de Mast explore a landmark clinical trial conducted in partnership with Tanzanian scientists and community members at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC).

Published in Nature Medicine, the study investigates what happens when people switch between Western-style eating and a traditional diet from the Kilimanjaro region of Northern Tanzania — rich in fermented foods, legumes, ancient grains, and green vegetables.

The results? Rapid, measurable changes to immune function, inflammation, and gut health — with powerful implications for global disease risk.We dive into the science behind millet porridge, fermented banana beer, and the fibre-rich meals that Tanzanian communities have eaten for generations.

Quirijn shares insights from his 20-year collaboration with local researchers.

This episode explores scientific research on traditional East African diets and inflammation, led by Quirijn in close collaboration with Tanzanian scientists and participants. As Western scientists and hosts, we are aware of the need for humility when discussing cultural traditions not our own, and we approach this conversation with respect and curiosity.

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Timecodes

00:00 Can This African Diet Transform Your Health in 2 Weeks?

02:47 What Makes African Diets Healthier Than Mediterranean?

05:17 The Mediterranean Diet: Are We Getting It Wrong?

07:57 Africa’s Forgotten Superfood: Ancient Grain Porridge

10:37 Are These Ancient Grains the Original Superfoods?

13:17 Diet Changes That Predict Disease — Here’s How

15:58 What Pre-Western Diets Reveal About Human Health

18:31 We Built a Pop-Up Restaurant on Mount Kilimanjaro

21:00 This Fermented Banana Beer Might Boost Immunity

23:23 Inflammation Skyrockets After Just 2 Weeks on This Diet

26:07 Can a Fermented Drink Reverse Western Diet Damage?

28:47 How Food Labels Trick You Into Thinking You're Healthy

31:38 Is Your Immune System Running on the Wrong Fuel?

34:12 These Roots Are Healthier Than Potatoes — Here’s Why

36:51 Your Porridge Is Making You Unhealthy (Without You Knowing)

39:35 What People Actually Eat on a Traditional African Diet

42:21 Pasteurised Fermented Foods — The Surprising Downside

45:06 Most People Don’t Eat Enough Fiber. Do You?

47:49 Why One Diet Doesn’t Work for Everyone

50:33 The #1 Diet Swap to Transform Your Health

📚Books by our ZOE Scientists

The Food For Life Cookbook

Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati

Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector

Free resources from ZOE

Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition

Gut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks

Mentioned in today's episode
Immune and metabolic effects of African heritage diets versus Western diets in men: a randomized controlled trial, Nature Medicine (2025)

Global Impacts of Western Diet and Its Effects on Metabolism and Health: A Narrative Review, Nutrients (2023)

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Episode transcripts are available here.