Researchers have found that a newly developed diet inspired by the eating habits of non-industrialized societies can significantly reduce the risk of a number of chronic diseases -- and are to share recipes with the public.
A paper published in the scientific journal Cell shows that a newly developed diet that mimics eating habits in non-industrialized communities led to significant metabolic and immunological improvements in a human intervention study. In just three weeks the diet:
Promoted weight loss
decreased bad cholesterol by 17%
reduced blood sugar by 6%
reduced C-reactive Protein (a marker of inflammation and heart disease) by 14%
The study demonstrated that the new diet entitled NiMeTM (Non-industrialized Microbiome Restore) diet enhanced short-term persistence of L. reuteri in the gut.
However, it also improved microbiome features damaged by industrialization, such as reducing pro-inflammatory bacteria and bacterial genes that degrade the mucus layer in the gut. These changes were linked to improvements in cardio metabolic markers of chronic disease risk.
Although participants did not consume fewer calories on the NiMe diet, they lost weight, and the diet alone led to considerable cardio metabolic benefits.
The NiMeTM diet shares key characteristics of non-industrialized diets:
Plant-based focus, but not vegetarian: Primarily made up of vegetables, legumes, and other whole-plant foods. One small serving of animal protein per day (salmon, chicken, or pork).
No dairy, beef, or wheat: Excluded simply because they are not part of the traditional foods consumed by rural Papua New Guineans.
Very low in processed foods that are high in sugar and saturated fat.
Fibre-rich: Fiber content was 22 grams per 1,000 calories -- exceeding current dietary recommendations.
Commenting on this study, Prof. Paul Ross, Director of APC Microbiome Ireland, said: "This study shows that we can target the gut microbiome through specific diets to improve health and reduce disease risk. These findings could shape future dietary guidelines and inspire the development of new food products and ingredients, as well as therapeutics, which target the microbiome."
Reference: https://www.ucc.ie/en/news/2025/new-study-reveals-how-a-non-industrialised-style-diet-can-reduce-risk-of-chronic-disease.html
