Diversity and Inclusion. But make it Plants.
At Cherrypick, we're passionate about diversity and inclusion in all its forms, but we aren’t talking about C-suites and boardrooms today. Instead, we're bringing our passion for diversity and inclusivity to your weekly shop. Forget the boardroom chatter – we're diving into the colourful world of plants. 30 plants that is!
Now, if you're puzzled about why we're advocating for eating more plants, fear not. When we say “plant”, we're not just talking about leaves, stems and shrubbery. We're referring to a nature's bounty – fruits, veggies, herbs, spices, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. In other words, the good stuff.
Did you know that over a third of you tell us you want to try new foods when using Cherrypick, while nearly two-thirds are keen on upping your veggie intake? We're right there with you. Say goodbye to the same old spag bol and repetitive fruit choices languishing in your fridge (we’re looking at you bananas, apples and tangerines). It's time to embrace Mother Nature's variety, and we're here to help you do just that!
Firstly, what do we mean by a “plant”?
A plant = a food which has been grown.
- Fresh fruit
- Vegetables
- Seeds and nuts*
- Beans, pulses or legumes
- Wholegrains
- Herbs and spices
These can be in the form of
- Fresh
- Tinned
- Frozen
- Dried
We are also sorry to say that white potatoes (spuds), due to their lack of nutritious value, do not count as a plant in this context of plant diversity to aid gut health, neither does fruit juice, shop-bought smoothies or white rice.
Secondly, why are plants good for us and how many do we need?
Now that’s been cleared up, what's the deal with “30 a week is the new 5-a-day”? Well, it's based on solid evidence supporting the benefits of incorporating a diverse range of plants into your diet. Whether we're studying the gut microbiome (and poop!) of various mammals (1) or delving into human research (2), the evidence is clear: greater diversity in plant consumption leads to a happier gut. And we all know a happy gut equals a happier, healthier you.
According to the largest study on the human microbiome to date (2), the magic number lies in including 30 different plants in your diet each week. This not only provides a diverse environment for good bacteria in your gut to thrive, but also feeds your good gut bugs with prebiotics and an array of fibre, carbohydrates and polyphenols – these are responsible for the vibrant colours of many plants and boast antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A healthy gut biome allows for fertile ground for more good gut bacteria, contributing to…
- A strengthened and healthier gut barrier and improved immune system (up to 70% of which lives in our gut)(2.2)
- Reduced inflammation and improved skin health (3)
- Increased energy levels (4)
- Decreased anxiety and depression. (4)
Now, here's where Cherrypick steps in to lend a hand. Introducing our brand-new, groundbreaking Plant Tracker feature! With this game-changing feature, you can effortlessly see the number of plants in each recipe and your shopping basket, helping you inch closer to that 30-plant milestone for a happier, nourished gut biome. It's so simple, you'll wonder how you ever shopped without it.
Quote from Gut Health and Clinical Dietician - Dr Catherine Rabess
“What a fabulous app that has made meal planning and cooking for my family a little bit easier. There is so much variety, and delicious recipes with lots of plant diversity and fibre, which is super important for a healthy gut. It's also so useful to be able to see the number of plants per recipe. This really can help you make healthy informed choices and help you get as much plant diversity into your diet as possible”.
So, whether you're whipping up a colourful salad, savouring a hearty bean stew, or experimenting with zesty herb-infused dishes, Cherrypick is your ultimate ally in the quest for a more plant-packed diet. Say hello to a world of flavour, variety, and gut-friendly goodness – one plant at a time. Let's get munching!
Citations
2.1 https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/digestive-health/how-to-get-more-fibre-into-your-diet/
2.2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6366966/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7589951/
4. https://www.einsteinmed.edu/news/releases/1030/normal-bacteria-vital-for-keeping-intestinal-lining-intact/
Key
*Nuts and Seeds = almonds, pumpkin seeds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, hemp seeds, chia seeds, 75% dark chocolate
** Legumes = Lentils, peas, broad beans, chickpeas, soybeans, other beans e.g. kidney beans, peanuts
*** Whole grains = Brown/wild rice, barley, bulgar wheat, quinoa, oats, rye flour, whole wheat flour, corn (such as in popcorn), buckwheat
**** Herbs and spices = for example, basil, coriander, parsley, ginger, chilli, turmeric, cumin
