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Economic Times
27-04-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
What is the 'Kilimanjaro Diet'? Is the new secret to long life emerging from Tanzania?
iStock The Kilimanjaro diet, based on traditional Tanzanian foods like okra, plantains, and mbege, is gaining attention for its health benefits. (Representative image) For years, the Mediterranean diet has been celebrated as the gold standard for longevity and health, with its emphasis on fresh vegetables, lean fish, and healthy fats. But now, a new contender has emerged from an unlikely place: Tanzania. Could the Kilimanjaro Diet be the next big thing in the quest for a longer, healthier life? Named after the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, the Kilimanjaro diet has recently caught the attention of researchers for its potential to promote better health and longevity. According to a report from the Daily Mail , a recent study conducted by Dutch researchers revealed that people in Tanzania, particularly those living near the famous volcano, are healthier than their Western counterparts due to their diet, which is focused on traditional, unprocessed foods. This discovery could challenge everything we thought we knew about healthy eating. The Kilimanjaro diet consists of simple, whole foods like okra, plantains, kidney beans, and corn, paired with a fermented drink called mbege, made from banana and millet. These foods, largely untouched by industrial processing, are rich in nutrients and seem to offer a powerful defense against inflammation – a root cause of many chronic diseases. In the study, 77 healthy Tanzanian men, averaging 25 years old, were tested on how different diets impacted their inflammation levels and immune function. Of these participants, 23 followed the Kilimanjaro diet, while 22 ate a typical Western diet of processed sausages, white bread, and fries. The results were striking. Those who switched from the Kilimanjaro diet to the Western diet experienced a spike in inflammatory proteins and a decline in their immune response. On the flip side, those who switched to the Kilimanjaro diet saw a reduction in inflammation and improved immune function. Even more remarkably, the benefits of the Kilimanjaro diet persisted for weeks after the study ended, suggesting that its positive effects on inflammation could have long-lasting health benefits. Dr. Quirijn de Mast, the lead researcher and an infectious disease specialist at Radboud University Medical Center, emphasized the importance of this study. "Inflammation is at the root of many chronic conditions, which makes this study highly relevant for Western countries as well," he told Daily Mail . In the United States, the typical Western diet, rich in processed foods, is known for promoting systemic inflammation and metabolic imbalances. In contrast, the Kilimanjaro diet, devoid of such processed foods, helps keep inflammation at bay, lowering the risk of diseases like heart disease and diabetes. While Tanzania is not yet considered a Blue Zone—regions famous for their high number of centenarians like Greece and Italy—the Kilimanjaro diet's potential is undeniable. Tanzania boasts a cancer rate significantly lower than that of the U.S., and its diabetes rates are comparable to the American average, with about one in 10 adults diagnosed with the condition. The average life expectancy in Tanzania stands at 67, while countries like Greece and Italy have life expectancies of 82 and 84, respectively. Despite Tanzania not being officially recognized as a Blue Zone, the country's diet clearly plays a role in its citizens' overall health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting a healthier lifestyle. For those looking to reap the benefits of the Kilimanjaro diet, dietitian Sapna Peruvemba advises focusing on whole, plant-based foods, particularly vegetables, fruits, and legumes. Fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and kimchi, which contain probiotics, are also an essential part of this diet, helping to fight disease and reduce inflammation. As Peruvemba aptly puts it, 'Don't underestimate the power of returning to the basics.' The Kilimanjaro diet is a testament to how going back to simple, unprocessed foods can be the key to longevity and optimal health. As research continues to unfold, the Kilimanjaro diet may very well take its place alongside the Mediterranean diet as a global symbol of health and longevity. By emphasizing whole, nutrient-rich foods that combat inflammation and boost immunity, this diet offers hope not only for people in Tanzania but also for those looking to live longer, healthier lives across the world. Will the Kilimanjaro diet become the next secret to a long life? Only time will tell.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What is the 'Kilimanjaro Diet'? Is the new secret to long life emerging from Tanzania?
For years, the Mediterranean diet has been celebrated as the gold standard for longevity and health, with its emphasis on fresh vegetables, lean fish, and healthy fats. But now, a new contender has emerged from an unlikely place: Tanzania. Could the Kilimanjaro Diet be the next big thing in the quest for a longer, healthier life? #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack India stares at a 'water bomb' threat as it freezes Indus Treaty India readies short, mid & long-term Indus River plans Shehbaz Sharif calls India's stand "worn-out narrative" Named after the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, the Kilimanjaro diet has recently caught the attention of researchers for its potential to promote better health and longevity. According to a report from the Daily Mail , a recent study conducted by Dutch researchers revealed that people in Tanzania, particularly those living near the famous volcano, are healthier than their Western counterparts due to their diet, which is focused on traditional, unprocessed foods. This discovery could challenge everything we thought we knew about healthy eating . The Kilimanjaro diet consists of simple, whole foods like okra, plantains, kidney beans, and corn, paired with a fermented drink called mbege, made from banana and millet. These foods, largely untouched by industrial processing, are rich in nutrients and seem to offer a powerful defense against inflammation – a root cause of many chronic diseases. Kilimanjaro Diet: Proven to Lower Inflammation and Boost Immunity In the study, 77 healthy Tanzanian men, averaging 25 years old, were tested on how different diets impacted their inflammation levels and immune function . Of these participants, 23 followed the Kilimanjaro diet, while 22 ate a typical Western diet of processed sausages, white bread, and fries. The results were striking. Those who switched from the Kilimanjaro diet to the Western diet experienced a spike in inflammatory proteins and a decline in their immune response. On the flip side, those who switched to the Kilimanjaro diet saw a reduction in inflammation and improved immune function. Even more remarkably, the benefits of the Kilimanjaro diet persisted for weeks after the study ended, suggesting that its positive effects on inflammation could have long-lasting health benefits. You Might Also Like: What is the 'Planetary Health Diet'? New study reveals the foods that could help you live to 100 Western Diet vs. Kilimanjaro: A Battle of Health Dr. Quirijn de Mast, the lead researcher and an infectious disease specialist at Radboud University Medical Center, emphasized the importance of this study. "Inflammation is at the root of many chronic conditions, which makes this study highly relevant for Western countries as well," he told Daily Mail . In the United States, the typical Western diet, rich in processed foods , is known for promoting systemic inflammation and metabolic imbalances. In contrast, the Kilimanjaro diet, devoid of such processed foods, helps keep inflammation at bay, lowering the risk of diseases like heart disease and diabetes. A Diet with Long-Term Benefits While Tanzania is not yet considered a Blue Zone—regions famous for their high number of centenarians like Greece and Italy—the Kilimanjaro diet's potential is undeniable. Tanzania boasts a cancer rate significantly lower than that of the U.S., and its diabetes rates are comparable to the American average, with about one in 10 adults diagnosed with the condition. The average life expectancy in Tanzania stands at 67, while countries like Greece and Italy have life expectancies of 82 and 84, respectively. Despite Tanzania not being officially recognized as a Blue Zone , the country's diet clearly plays a role in its citizens' overall health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting a healthier lifestyle. You Might Also Like: Korean 'Switch-on diet' promises rapid fat loss and muscle retention in 4 weeks. But does it really work? iStock Tanzania boasts a cancer rate significantly lower than that of the U.S., and its diabetes rates are comparable to the American average. How to Adopt the Kilimanjaro Diet For those looking to reap the benefits of the Kilimanjaro diet, dietitian Sapna Peruvemba advises focusing on whole, plant-based foods , particularly vegetables, fruits, and legumes. Fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and kimchi, which contain probiotics, are also an essential part of this diet, helping to fight disease and reduce inflammation. As Peruvemba aptly puts it, 'Don't underestimate the power of returning to the basics.' The Kilimanjaro diet is a testament to how going back to simple, unprocessed foods can be the key to longevity and optimal health. Is the Kilimanjaro Diet the Next Big Thing? As research continues to unfold, the Kilimanjaro diet may very well take its place alongside the Mediterranean diet as a global symbol of health and longevity. By emphasizing whole, nutrient-rich foods that combat inflammation and boost immunity, this diet offers hope not only for people in Tanzania but also for those looking to live longer, healthier lives across the world. Will the Kilimanjaro diet become the next secret to a long life? Only time will tell. You Might Also Like: Vegan vs. meat: Twin brothers' six-month experiment reveals which diet packs more vitamins Hollywood's hidden diet secret: Why celebs are terrified of these foods and why you shouldn't be?
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Healing in your sleep: Do lucid dreams provide therapeutic benefits?
Have you ever experienced a lucid dream? Those surreal moments when, during sleep, you suddenly realize you are dreaming? Maybe you've even taken control, bending the dream world to your will. What if these experiences could offer more than just a nighttime thrill? Could they actually be therapeutic? A recent study led by Çağatay Demirel of the Donders Center for Cognitive Neuroimaging at Radboud University Medical Center has shed light on the brain mechanisms behind lucid dreaming . The study published in JNeurosci paper sheds light on the brain activity during wakefulness, rapid-eye-movement sleep, and lucid dreaming. What is lucid dreaming? Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Lucid dreaming happens when you are conscious during a dream. This happens during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the dream stage of sleep. This means you're aware that you're dreaming while you're still in the dream. In short, it is a form of metacognition, or awareness of your awareness. In some cases, lucid dreaming also lets you control what happens in your dream. While many experience lucid dreams very vividly, others feel it like a haze. In the 1970s, Stanford psychophysiologist Stephen LaBerge proposed the concept of lucid dreaming, but many were skeptical. However, psychologists slowly started studying, conducting research, and tapping into the lucid dreaming capacity of patients for therapeutic purposes. About 55 percent of people have experienced at least one or more lucid dream in their lifetime. Lucid dreaming is a surreal phenomenon, and the researchers examined data from multiple labs and included what the authors say is the largest sample size yet used in the field. By comparing brain activity during lucid dreams, regular REM sleep, and wakefulness, the researchers found unique patterns in how the brain functions during this conscious dreaming, and how brain regions communicate may be linked to changes in perception, memory processing, self-awareness , and cognitive control. The shifts in brain regions linked to self-awareness, perception, memory, and cognitive control are also factors that are closely associated with emotional regulation and mental health. This has sparked interest in whether lucid dreaming can be used as a tool in therapy. 'This research opens the door to a deeper understanding of lucid dreaming as an intricate state of consciousness by pointing to the possibility that conscious experience can arise from within sleep itself. This work offers a perspective that could challenge the traditional binary view of sleep and wakefulness in future research,' Demirel, who led the research, said. 'Taken together, these findings illuminate the electrophysiological correlates of LD, laying the groundwork for decoding the mechanisms of this intriguing state of consciousness,' the authors concluded.
