Psychobiotic Potential of Fibre-Rich Cassava-Based Fufu: Cultural Diet, Gut–Brain Axis, and Mental Health Promotion.

Abstract:

Background: Nigeria is experiencing a growing burden of stress-related and common mental disorders alongside rapid dietary transitions characterized by increased consumption of refined, low-fibre foods. Evidence from nutritional psychiatry indicates that the gut–brain axis plays a central role in emotional regulation and stress resilience, with dietary fibre acting as a key modulator of gut microbiota, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter synthesis. Cassava-based fufu, a major staple and culturally significant comfort food, was traditionally prepared in fibre-rich forms, but modern processing methods increasingly reduce its fibre content. Objective: This paper examined the psychobiotic potential of fibre-rich cassava-based fufu as a culturally grounded dietary strategy for promoting psychological safety and mental well-being in Nigeria. Methods: A narrative theoretical synthesis was undertaken, integrating literature from nutritional psychiatry, gut–brain axis research, cultural psychology, and traditional African food processing. The review focused on biological pathways linking dietary fibre to short-chain fatty acid production, serotonergic and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis regulation, and glycaemic stability, as well as the psychosocial functions of comfort foods in emotional security and social bonding. Results: Fibre-rich cassava-based fufu was shown to possess multiple psychobiotic properties, including enhancement of gut microbial diversity, increased production of neuroactive metabolites, reduction of systemic inflammation, and stabilization of stress-related neuroendocrine responses. Psychologically, its cultural familiarity, sensory continuity, and role in communal eating practices support emotional regulation, identity affirmation, and psychological safety. Conclusion: Fibre-rich cassava-based fufu can be conceptualized as a culturally congruent psychobiotic food with potential value for public mental health promotion. Integrating nutritionally enhanced traditional staples into dietary guidelines, community nutrition programmes, and primary mental healthcare may provide a low-cost, non-stigmatizing strategy for strengthening stress resilience and emotional well-being through biologically and culturally grounded pathways.