I learned today that Madagascar is off the coast of southern Africa; before, I admittedly did not know where Madagascar was located, and this is significant to me because of Madagascar vanilla beans and I love vanilla. That will be a focus of this column as well as Madagascar’s popular sports and sporting culture because food is essential to athletic fitness—therefore sports!
Madagascar is a fairly small country, with a population of 30 million. Sport history there traces back for centuries, with original sports being in the form of martial arts, field hockey, and others that reflect the island’s warrior heritage. A couple of these include “moraingy” (martial arts) and “betsimisaraka” (field hockey.)
In the 19th century, French settlers brought new sports to the island, those being rugby and football. Rugby took hold quickly in the nation and is now one of their most cherished and popular sports. The professional rugby team from Madagascar is called the Makis and is regarded very affectionately in the country. Football is nearly as popular there; professional clubs such as AS Adema and CNaPS Sport have risen to fame and garnered a large fanbase. Other celebrated sports in Madagascar include track and field, boxing, and tennis.
Madagascar also has a rich sporting culture that ties back to its traditional roots. Traditional Malagasy sports tournaments are still held today, with an example being the Longoa wrestling festival. Throughout their history, even with the presence of European settlers, Malagasy people have ensured that their native traditions stay alive through sports.
As mentioned previously, Madagascar vanilla beans are known to be some of the best in the world due to their vibrant color, aroma, and sweeter taste. I think this is worth mentioning because I love vanilla and food is an important aspect of a country’s culture, just as sports are. Surprisingly, vanilla beans in general have a wide variety of health benefits; the main compound in vanilla beans, vanillin, is known for neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body, which reduces the risk of cancer, heart diseases, and diabetes. The beans also contain anti-inflammatory properties, and vanillin being an antioxidant means that the beans also help to regulate blood sugar and reduce oxidative stress.
Therefore, it can be inferred the presence of vanilla bean agriculture there may aid the general population’s health. So, along with a healthy diet, of course, vanilla beans can contribute to healthy lifestyles in Madagascar deliciously. Outside of vanilla beans, healthy foods often consumed include a variety of native fruits and vegetables, seafood, herbs like turmeric and wild pepper, and rice. Malagasy people place importance on wellbeing, and that prioritization includes fitness: marathons are held throughout the mountains of Antananarivo and meditation retreats are common there. It is clear the nation of Madagascar has an enthralling sports history and culture, as well as beneficial ways of eating and living that render them generally very healthy.
