The Sol Journal

In the realm of gut health, diversity is key. The notion of eating a wider variety of plant sources, specifically 30 or more different types per week, has gained huge popularity in the most recent years. This is not just another health trend seen on TikTok, this is groundbreaking science, which is why we have packed our Organic Whole Food Meal Pack with over 50 plant sources in just 3 days!

This concept stemmed from a famous study published in 2018 from the American Gut Project. Over 10,000 participants from Australia, United States and United Kingdom were researched and analysed on their eating habits. The results found participants who ate 30 or more different plant sources per week had a more diverse gut microbiome, meaning they were more likely to have “good” bacteria than those who ate only 10.

The gut microbiome is home to trillions of microorganisms responsible for our digestion, immune function, nutrient absorption and mental health, which plays a crucial role in our health. Each plant species contains unique polyphenols, fibres and compounds that feed many different microbes. The more diverse your microbiome is, the more resilient and adaptable it is to dietary changes and environmental stresses.

3 benefits from increasing your plant diversity

1. Supports digestion and nutrient absorption
   Different fibres from different plants help the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. These bacteria help break down food more efficiently, enhancing nutrient absorption. For example, fibres from legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds all support different bacterial populations. This leads to overall improved digestion and a lower likelihood of gastrointestinal issues like constipation and bloating.
2. Strengthened immune system
   The more diverse our gut microbiome is, the more resilient our immune system is. Plants contain a variety of phytochemicals that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-microbial properties. These compounds help modulate the immune response, making the body better equipped to fight off infections and pathogens. 
3. Improved mental health
   There is a direct link between our gut and brain called the gut-brain axis. This means our gut microbiome has the ability to directly impact our cognition and mood. If you have ever over-indulged in chocolate, chips, lollies or alcohol, you’ll know the dreadful feeling it brings not only physically but mentally! Studies have shown that people who consume a diverse plant-based diet experience lower levels of stress and anxiety, likely due to the production of short-chain fatty acids by gut bacteria, which have neuroprotective effects.

Take the first step

Incorporating at least 30 different plant sources into your weekly diet can have profound impacts on your overall health. That’s why we formulated our Organic Whole Food Pack with over 50 plant sources to significantly optimise your gut health in just 3-days. We challenge you to reap the health benefits from eating the rainbow. Next time you are at the grocery store, try a new seasonal plant source (fruit or vegetable) and try to incorporate this into your weekly diet!