Exploring the Benefits of Eating a Wide Range of Plant Foods
Dive into the diverse world of edible plants to embrace various foods for a healthy & happy body and mind for a longer health span.
Rome-based Biodiversity International, of the 30,000 edible plant species identified, only 7,000 have been used as food sources in human history. At present, up to 150 species worldwide are cultivated commercially.
The shocking news is only four species — rice, wheat, maize, and potato — account for 60% of the human energy supply. Generation after generation, we are making our food choices narrower and narrower. This is one of the major reasons for an unhealthy world for humans.
Eating a wide range of foods is not only a pleasurable culinary adventure but also a key aspect of promoting optimal health and well-being. Scientific evidence highlights the numerous benefits of embracing a diverse and balanced diet.
How many food Items are available for us now?
Plants for a Future and other organizations have collected 7,000+ edible plants and made them available from their database. We have curated the database and working on a database of 1,888 edibale plant foods. Dr. Ruth Charrondiere, FAO, Rome, Italy, has prepared a database of 1097 edible plants. We have a working database of 1,000 food items.
What is the scientific evidence for the health benefits of eating a wide range of plant foods?
Several hundreds of published scientific research papers provide evidence for the health benefits of eating a wide range of food items. The review on the subject by Dr. João Silva Dias, Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal, provides a collection of 412 research publications.
What are the benefits?
1. Nutrient Adequacy:
Unlocking the Potential of Food’s Nutritional Bounty A diverse diet ensures that our bodies receive a broad spectrum of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. By embracing a range of foods, we can meet our nutritional needs and support overall health and vitality.
2. Disease Prevention:
Shielding Our Health through Culinary Exploration Research consistently demonstrates that a diverse and balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and obesity. The combined protective effects of different nutrients and bioactive compounds found in various foods are instrumental in safeguarding our health.
3. Gut Microbiota Diversity:
Scientists found evidence, in 100+ research studies, for short- to moderate-term beneficial effects of plant-based diets versus conventional diets (duration ≤ 13 months) on gut microbiome composition and biochemical and anthropometric measurements in healthy participants as well as obese, cardiovascular, and rheumatoid arthritis patients. Nurturing Our Inner Ecosystem The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in our overall health, immunity, and digestion. Embracing a diverse range of foods promotes healthy and diverse gut microbiota, linked to improved gut health, enhanced immune function, and various aspects of physical and mental well-being.
4. Harnessing the Power of Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory
Compounds Different foods offer unique combinations of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that combat oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, fundamental contributors to many diseases. By consuming a wide range of fruits and colored vegetables, we can increase our intake of these beneficial compounds, optimizing our health.
5. Nutritional Synergy:
90 food items to start your diversity eating plan
The Magic of Food Pairings Foods often works synergistically to enhance nutrient absorption and utilization. Pairing vitamin C-rich foods with iron-rich foods, for instance, can boost iron absorption. By embracing a diverse diet, we unlock the potential for these nutritional synergies, ensuring our bodies receive maximum benefits.
6. Nourishing Our Palate and Our Soul:
25 Spices
The Joy of Culinary Exploration Beyond the physiological benefits, a diverse diet offers a richer, more enjoyable eating experience. Exploring different flavors, textures, and cultural cuisines adds a delightful dimension to our meals, fostering positive psychological and emotional well-being.
What are we doing to promote the consumption of Plants foods?
We have prepared the following educational material for 500 food items, including Memory Game, Flashcards game, etc.,
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