Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
A NEW study by the University of Zimbabwe has revealed that locally available wild fruits and vegetables could be key to addressing malnutrition among People Living with HIV (PLHIV).
Led by Dr Batsi Chipurura, from the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science, the research emphasised the nutritional power of indigenous foods such as black jack (mustine/nhungumira), baobab (mauyu), marula (mapfura), amaranth (mowa), and cats’ whiskers (nyevhe/runi), which have proven to be richer in essential micronutrients than many commonly consumed exotic fruits and vegetables.
Dr Chipurura said the study was conducted in 33 wards in Buhera, where 79 wild vegetables and 28 wild fruits were identified by respondents as part of their diets.
“We wanted to understand the dietary patterns in rural communities and identify local food solutions to chronic malnutrition, especially among people living with HIV. What we found is that our indigenous plants are, not only accessible, but nutritionally superior in many ways,” he said.
Malnutrition remains a major concern for PLHIV who have increased nutritional needs due to higher metabolic demands, reduced food intake, and increased nutrient loss.
If left unaddressed, malnutrition leads to weight loss, muscle wasting, nutrient deficiencies, and weakened immune systems.
“Once the immune system is compromised, the ability to fight HIV and other infections is reduced, and this creates a vicious cycle of declining health.
We believe food can be a key part of breaking this cycle,” said Dr Chipurura.
Traditionally, Zimbabwe has relied on imported therapeutic foods such as Plumpy’Nut, peanut- based paste rich in calories and essential nutrients, to treat severe malnutrition.
“We must find local alternatives that are both affordable and effective. Wild fruits and vegetables are our solution. They grow naturally in our environment, require minimal cultivation, and are already part of our cultural diet,” he said.
Dr Chipurura said the study found that wild fruits like baobab, marula, and wild loquat (mazhanje) contain significantly higher levels of iron, zinc, copper, and vitamin C compared to commonly consumed exotic fruits such as bananas and peaches. Similarly, wild vegetables such as black jack (tsine), amaranth (mowa), and cats’ whiskers (nyevhe) were found to be richer in these essential micronutrients than cultivated greens like lettuce and rape.
“This proves that some of our commonly consumed indigenous foods are very high in these micronutrients, which are vital for immune support and overall health, especially for PLHIV. Micronutrient-rich foods help reduce oxidative stress in the body, strengthen immunity, and improve the ability to fight off infections,” said Dr Chipurura.
Dr Chipurura also highlighted the findings of a separate study involving 1 242 HIV-positive adults in Zimbabwe, which showed a link between undernutrition and food access challenges as well as advanced stages of the disease.
“Over-nutrition, on the other hand, was more common among older individuals, women, and those with higher socioeconomic status and CD4 counts. This highlights the importance of tailored nutritional interventions. We need to look beyond calories and focus on the quality of food people consume. For PLHIV, a well-balanced diet rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals is essential,” he said.
Dr Chipurura said wild fruits and vegetables also have medicinal value, as many have traditionally been used to treat ailments such as fever, dysentery, diarrhoea, and malaria.
“Baobab pulp, in particular, contains phytochemicals and micronutrients that support immune health and overall well-being. Beyond their health benefits, these plants can also help address environmental challenges by enriching the soil, improving water and air quality, and supporting carbon sequestration,” he said, adding that in times of drought and food insecurity, wild fruits and vegetables have always been a lifeline for rural communities
“Now, Science is affirming what tradition has long known, that these foods are not just survival tools, but powerful sources of nutrition. We must begin to view them as viable components of national health strategies, especially in our fight against HIV-related malnutrition,” said Dr Chipurura.
Online Reporter