08/07/2022
PLANT DIVERSITY.........................................................
Zucchini, squash, blackberry, gooseberry, cauliflower, persimmon, and every other type of vegetable and fruit has a place in your diet.
Even if some may be blend, bitter or sour. I've just listed my least favorite. Your list my be different.
The more fruits and vegetables that you eat, the greater the gut microbiome diversity. Lower diversity is associated various diseases.
Every fruit and vegetable has special compounds, polyphenols and fiber that feed the gut microbes besides their nutritional composition.
If you see a new vegetable or fruit that you haven't tried before or don't like, please consider adding it to your list. Variety is important.
While genetics can play a role in determining the microbiome diversity, the environment and lifestyle plays a big role. In terms of lifestyle, what we eat, how we eat, thoughts, emotional regulation, exercise, sleep, whether we drink enough water, get some sunshine and relax, have hope and a supportive community can impact the gut microbiome diversity and as such the bodies ability to be resilient.
Some factors in our environment may be difficult to control, and situations are not the same. However, try to invest in your health whenever possible. A good place to start is in the kitchen.
Nuts, seeds, legumes and wholegrains also contribute to the gut microbiome diversity. Aim for 30-35 different plant foods a week.
This week I added squash and gooseberry amongst the other fruit and vegetable that we consume to increase our diversity.
Which vegetable will you consider adding to your grocery list?
