A recent study suggests that a 2,500-calorie diet, modeled after traditional eating habits in Papua New Guinea, may aid in weight loss and reduce cancer risk.
Known as the Non-Industrialized Microbiome Restore (NiMe) diet, it primarily consists of plant-based foods while eliminating dairy, beef, and wheat. It allows for small daily portions of chicken, salmon, or pork.
The study, conducted in Canada with 30 participants, found that those who followed the NiMe diet experienced improvements in gut microbiome diversity, reduced inflammation, and lower levels of “bad” cholesterol and blood sugar.
These factors are associated with a decreased risk of chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Professor Jens Walter of University College Cork led the research team and emphasized that diet plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which can influence overall health outcomes.
“Industrialization has drastically impacted our gut microbiome, likely increasing the risk of chronic diseases,” said Walter. “To counter this, we developed a diet that mimics traditional, non-industrialized dietary habits and is compatible with our understanding on diet-microbiome interactions,” he added.
Researchers have published a free online cookbook to help people adopt the NiMe diet.
Prior studies have indicated that reducing dietary fat leads to greater body fat loss than cutting carbohydrates, and caloric restriction is linked to lower inflammation and better metabolic health, both of which are associated with reduced cancer risk.
This latest research underscores the significance of diet quality in promoting health, showing that even a 2,500-calorie intake can contribute to weight management and disease prevention.
