The Joys of Food-Diversity
Diversity is a wonderful concept. It is nature’s method of keeping systems working together in a healthy balance. We are an integral part of nature and play a part in its diversity.
Food Diversity is the variety of plant foods, eating a variety of foods known to bring plenty of benefits, to have a healthy body we need a diet made of different foods to provide us with all nutritional needs. Some experts say we do best when eating up to 30 different types of foods a week! And as we better ourselves we also aid systems around us - in this case - food production systems. As we demand more vegetables, grains and fruits, there will be farmers willing to grow more crops and increasing crop diversity brings with it improved soil health. So Food Diversity is a crucial concept to take interest in !
Tyler Mayoras from “Cool Beans” says: “The Earth’s biodiversity is key to human survival on the planet. Plant diversity incentivizes farmers to grow a variety of plants and is a key tenet behind regenerative agriculture; each plant puts different nutrients into the soil for other plants…” he champions plant foods and especially the beans and legumes - “Legumes are both an incredible superfood and eco-warriors, pulling carbon out of the air and sequestering it into the soil. As one of the few plants that put nitrogen into the soil they are key for healthy crop rotation and healthy soil. Planting more beans in rotation reduces the need for carbon-intensive, liquid nitrogen fertiliser.” .” (https://eftp.co/tyler-mayoras).
according to Dr Deanna in her article “6 reasons why you need food diversity”The benefits of Food Diversity to our health include lowering the risk of food allergy and food intolerance; reduction of inflammation and helping combat oxidative stress https://deannaminich.com/food-diversity/
Just as crop diversity maintains a healthy community of soil microbes, a variety of plant foods is beneficial to restore and keep a healthy gut microbiome - thus maintaining a good immune system and good mental health;
One great way to increase the different plant based foods, is a Meal in a Bowl method - “the Buddha Bowl” - which the plant based versions typically include a mix of raw or steamed veggies, some protein such as Tofu, Beans or Tempeh, cooked whole grains, sprouts, toppings nuts & seeds and a sauce. The ingredients are arranged in beautiful circular placements with bright coloured vegetables to create a visual as well as a taste delight.