Podcast: Supercharge your diet with indigenous foods

Beyond just being delicious, indigenous foods are powerhouses of nutrition. Dr Ethel Phiri dives into the health benefits of these local ingredients. Learn how incorporating them can boost your well-being and contribute to a healthier planet

In today’s fast-paced world where processed foods often dominate our plates, incorporating indigenous ingredients can be a powerful step towards a healthier lifestyle.

In this episode, Dr Ethel Phiri, a researcher who specialises in indigenous and underutilised crops, speaks about the importance of incorporating indigenous food into our diets.

“Indigenous crops or foods are those that are native to a particular region and have been cultivated or consumed by indigenous or local communities for generations. Underutilised crops, on the other hand, are those that have not been widely adopted or commercialised, and this is often due to factors such as limited knowledge about their nutritional value or a lack of market demand.”

Preserving knowledge and promoting biodiversity

“Including indigenous foods in our diet can help promote biodiversity. Currently, we are mostly reliant on three major staple crops: maize, wheat, and rice. So if we include indigenous foods in our diet, we can promote biodiversity, and by diversifying our diets, we can support local economies and preserve traditional knowledge and cultural practices. And these foods are often nutritious and contribute to a more diverse and sustainable food system.”

According to Phiri, there’s limited research that has been conducted on the health benefits of many indigenous crops, however, many of those that have been researched, are rich in nutrients and bioactive ingredients which may provide various health benefits.

“Many indigenous fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which can help against chronic, non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.”

Phiri adds that indigenous communities face several challenges in maintaining and promoting their traditional food systems.

“It’s important to support indigenous communities in preserving their traditional knowledge and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving access to markets, and raising awareness about the traditional and cultural value of indigenous foods.”