🌿 The 100 Plants Experiment - Special introductory Offer🌿

Why Eating a Variety of Plants Boosts Your Health (and how to get more in!)

When it comes to healthy eating, we often hear about eating more plants, but what about eating a wider variety of them? While increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables is a great step, focusing on plant diversity can unlock even greater health benefits.

Many of us fall into the habit of buying the same foods week after week, sticking to familiar favourites. But your body thrives on variety! From energy levels to gut health and immune support, eating a broad spectrum of plant foods is one of the most powerful things you can do for your overall well-being.

Let’s take a look at why plant diversity matters and how you can easily add more variety to your diet.

A Healthier Gut Starts with Diversity

Your gut is home to trillions of microbes, and just like any ecosystem, it flourishes with diversity. Different plant foods contain different types of fibre and polyphenols that feed beneficial gut bacteria.

Research (carried out as part of the American Gut Project) suggests that people who eat 30 or more different plant foods per week have a more diverse microbiome, which is linked to better digestion, a stronger immune system, and even improved mental health.

The problem? Many people aren’t even close to that number. In fact, studies show that the average person eats a surprisingly limited variety of plant foods. If you’re relying on the same handful of fruits and vegetables, your gut bacteria may not be getting the nourishment they need to truly thrive.

A Wider Nutrient Spectrum for Better Health

Each plant food contains its own unique blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. By eating a wide variety of plants, you give your body access to a broad spectrum of these essential nutrients.

Here are just a few examples:

Leafy greens (kale, spinach, rocket) are rich in folate and vitamin K, supporting brain and bone health.

Orange vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash) provide betacarotene for healthy skin and vision.

Nuts and seeds offer healthy fats and minerals like magnesium, which supports stress resilience.

When you eat more types of plants, you naturally get a more balanced and nutrient-dense diet without overthinking it.

Phytonutrients: The Hidden Health Boosters

Beyond vitamins and minerals, plants contain powerful phytonutrients. These are compounds that help protect against inflammation, oxidative stress, and disease. Different plants contain different types, which is why variety is so important.

You may have heard that blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, known for their anti-inflammatory and brain-protective effects.

But, did you know that cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower) contain sulforaphane, which supports detoxification?

Or that herbs and spices like turmeric, rosemary, and cinnamon offer potent antioxidants that support immune function?

Even from just these few examples it’s easy to see that by increasing plant diversity, you’re naturally protecting your body from the inside out.

Small Changes, Big Impact

If you’ve been eating the same fruits, vegetables, and grains for years, it’s easy to assume that changing things up will be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be!

Here are some simple ways to boost your plant diversity:

✔ Swap and rotate – Instead of always reaching for spinach, try kale, chard, or watercress.

✔ Mix up your grains – Switch from rice to quinoa, buckwheat, or millet.

✔ Try new herbs and spices – A pinch of turmeric or sumac can transform a dish.

Eating more plant-based foods is great, but eating a diverse range of them is even better!

By focusing on variety, you’ll nourish your gut, support your immune system, and unlock a whole world of nutrients your body will thank you for.🌿

Do you need support to create healthier eating habits?

I'm here to help!

My approach is rooted in a blend of nutritional and body wisdom, incorporating relaxation, mindfulness and mindset, self-care, the healing power of nature and acknowledging the miracle of you!

To find out more about how we can work together please CLICK HERE to send me a message and tell me a little about yourself so we can schedule a call to see if we’re a good fit.