Tapestry of Indigenous Food Intake of Zulu African population of KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa.

Introduction: The Zulu African populations are the largest ethnic group (77.8%) in South Africa living predominantly in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Indigenous foods consumed by them includes: jeqe(steamed bread), samp and beans, phutu porridge (maize meal), amasi or magau (fermented cow's milk), amadumbe(root crop similar to sweet potato) and imifino(wild edible greens including morogo or spinach leaves). Aim: The study aims to determine by self-reported food intake questionnaires the indigenous food dietary intake patterns and diversity among adults residing within KwaZulu-Natal. Materials and Methods: Participants were conveniently sampled with door-to-door visits within the rural Umzinyathi district of KwaZulu-Natal. Trained fieldworkers administered 24 hour recall to determine dietary diversity and dietary patterns (per consumption of 12 food groups). Results and Discussion: The study sample (N=150) were predominantly female (83.3%). Primary food group consumption indicated dietary pattern intake of mainly cereals(97.3%), sweets(94.6%), miscellaneous items(93.3%) and oils and fats(81.3%). 70% of participants reported daily vegetable consumption, followed by an intake of flesh and organ meats(40%) and fruit(36.6%). Dietary patterns indicated 56.6% consumed 4-6 different food groups, while 14.6% participants consumed 10-12 food groups. Indigenous food consumption included ujeqe, samp, organ meats and indigenous vegetables like amadumbe tubers and amaranth. Conclusion: According to the self-reported food intake questionnaire the dietary pattern intake of this rural community indicates a lack of dietary diversity from limited food intake and availability within the area focusing on specific indigenous foods. Food education can help vegetable gardens to include more diverse, healthy indigenous food groups with health benefits to incorporate into recipes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]