Mbaise diet: A Proposed African Heritage Diet for Improved Cardiometabolic Health

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) lead in worldwide morbidity and mortality, through Atherosclerotic CVDs (ASCVDs) deriving largely from components of the Metabolic Syndrome. Diet is beneficial in controlling these; hence, the concept of a dietary approach to stop hypertension. With the dietary transition shifting to a calorie-dense, lipid-laden, salt- and sugar-rich diet, more ASCVDs became rife. This realization brought about recommendations of diets mitigating the impact of ASCVD, a popular one being the Mediterranean Diet rich in whole grains, fruits, legumes, nuts, and fish. Diet is cultural, hence what is acceptable in one culture may not be accepted in another. Advising Africans to adhere to diets alien to their culture usually fails. Generally, plant-based diet should prevent the development of cardio-metabolic diseases. African diets consisting largely of tubers, whole grains, legumes, vegetables, seeds, nuts, oils, and low in meat and dairy should be of great utility. The Mbaise Diet is one such African heritage diet. The diet plan aligns with physiology. The food materials are nutrient-dense, and the high fiber and phytonutrient contents lower the tendencies to overweight/obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Published materials linking items in the Mbaise Diet to benefits in cardiometabolic diseases were sourced from medical literature. Although similar to food in surrounding regions, the differences come with their wide range of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices, as well as culinary practices. In this write-up, the author advocates for the Mbaise Diet to be investigated and adopted as a desirable African heart-healthy diet.