Mary .W. Kariuki’s Post

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Innovative|Creative|Analytical|Personable|chronically curious|Food Scientist & Nutritionist |Passionate about Food, Health & Nutrition|SDG 1,2,3 &6 champion|Climate-Resilient Agrifood Systems Specialist.

Are #Plant-Based Diets Overlooking Regional #FoodTraditions? The rise of #plantbased diets is celebrated for its benefits to #health, #sustainability, and #ethics. But here’s a question worth exploring: Are these diets unintentionally sidelining the rich diversity of regional #food traditions? In Kenya, we have remarkable indigenous protein sources that often go unnoticed in global plant-based conversations: • #Amaranth seeds: Contain up to 14% protein, higher than most grains, and are rich in lysine, an essential amino acid. • #Bambaragroundnuts: Known as a "complete food" due to their balanced macronutrient profile and drought resistance. • #Cowpeas (and their leaves): Dual-purpose crops offering high-quality protein and essential micronutrients. Despite their potential, these crops are often overshadowed by imported staples like lentils, chickpeas, and soy. But why should we look outward when these indigenous options are more sustainable and accessible? How Can We Bridge the Gap Between Global Trends and Local Traditions? 1. Invest in Indigenous Crops: Research and innovate around these crops to develop modern plant-based products like amaranth protein bars or Bambara flour snacks. 2. Inspire Creativity: For instance, a Kenyan start-up recently created a vegan protein powder from cowpeas, designed for athletes. Why not scale such ideas? 3. Educate and Advocate: Promote the nutritional and environmental advantages of these crops to consumers, chefs, and policymakers. Did you know? Research shows that Bambara groundnuts produce up to 40% more #protein per hectare than traditional cereals, making them a top choice for sustainable agriculture. The future of plant-based diets shouldn’t erase #culturaldiversity—it should embrace it. Let’s celebrate regional crops and their place in the global food conversation. 💡 What’s your favorite plant-based protein from your region? How can we encourage its broader adoption? #PlantBasedDiet #IndigenousCrops #SustainableEating #FoodSecurity #FoodSustainability #LocalFoodSystems #EatLocal #Amaranth #BambaraGroundnuts #Cowpeas #KenyanFood #PlantBasedProtein #NutritionalScience #SustainableAgriculture #CulturalCuisine #CircularEconomy

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