Synopsis
A new diet, called the NiMe diet, mimics traditional eating habits using non-industrialised food to reduce chronic disease risks and promote weight loss. The diet focuses on plant-based foods with limited animal protein, showing significant health benefits in a controlled trial.Key Takeaways
- The NiMe diet is inspired by traditional eating habits.
- It includes a variety of plant-based foods and a small serving of animal protein.
- The diet promotes weight loss without reducing caloric intake.
- Significant improvements in cholesterol and blood sugar levels were observed.
- The diet positively affects gut microbiome health.
New Delhi, Jan 24 (NationPress) A groundbreaking diet that emulates traditional eating practices through the use of non-industrialised food could play a vital role in minimizing the risk of multiple chronic diseases while also aiding in weight loss.
Industrialised diets -- characterized by high levels of processed foods and low fiber content -- have significantly contributed to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions.
The newly developed diet, known as the "NiMe" (Non-industrialised Microbiome Restore) diet, draws inspiration from the dietary patterns of non-industrialised societies.
While primarily plant-focused, the NiMe diet is not strictly vegetarian. It mainly comprises vegetables, legumes, and various whole-plant foods. Additionally, it includes one small portion of animal protein each day (such as salmon, chicken, or pork), while excluding dairy, beef, and wheat.
Research conducted internationally, spearheaded by Irish scientists, demonstrated that the NiMe diet significantly improved the short-term presence of L. reuteri -- a beneficial bacterium commonly found in the gut of individuals who maintain traditional eating habits.
According to Professor Jens Walter, a scientist at University College Cork in Ireland, "Industrialisation has severely affected our gut microbiome, likely elevating the risk of chronic diseases."
The NiMe diet is notably low in processed foods that are high in sugar and saturated fats, while being rich in fiber. The fiber content reaches 22 grams per 1,000 calories, surpassing current dietary guidelines.
In a rigorously controlled human trial, the researchers found that the NiMe diet led to significant improvements in metabolic and immunological health.
Within just three weeks, participants experienced weight loss, a 17 percent decrease in bad cholesterol, a 6 percent reduction in blood sugar, and a 14 percent drop in C-reactive Protein (a marker of inflammation and heart disease), as reported in the journal Cell.
These positive changes were associated with enhancements in the gut microbiome of the participants.
Furthermore, the NiMe diet helped restore microbiome elements that had been compromised by industrialisation, such as lessening pro-inflammatory bacteria and bacterial genes that harm the gut's mucus layer.
Remarkably, participants lost weight without consuming fewer calories.
This study indicates that targeting the gut microbiome through specific diets can significantly enhance health and lower disease risk.
