The Key Dietary Rule for Optimal Health

A new dietary rule to improve health is to consume at least 30 different plants per week, according to a study by the American Gut Project. Participants who ate more than 30 types of plants had a more diverse gut microbiome and fewer antibiotic-resistant genes. This includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, spices, and herbs. Easy ways to incorporate more plants into the diet include buying mixed nuts, seeds, and berries, consuming frozen vegetable and fruit mixes, eating beans, and using herbs and spices in meals. Coffee beans and dark chocolate also count towards the plant quota. Eating more plants leads to feeling better and reduces the desire for processed foods and sugary snacks.