We all know that we're supposed to eat more fruit and veg, but why is that? With busy lives and an overwhelming amount of choice, it can be daunting to try and get a decent variety of fruit and veg into our diet every day. Don't worry - our nutritionists are here to explain why plants are so important in our diet, and to tell you how to easily get more plant-based goodness in your life.
Why do we need to eat plants?
Plants naturally contain everything the human body needs to thrive, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients (natural plant compounds that help prevent diseases in humans), proteins, and fibre.
A diet with a high intake of fresh produce can result in more energy, a positive state of mind, better skin, better digestion (due to the fibre content), lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and weight loss (as most fruit and veg are low in fat and calories). There is evidence that people who eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg a day have a reduced risk of stroke, heart disease, cancer, and early death* which is believed to be in part because of their anti-inflammatory properties.
* NHS: Eatwell Guide & Imperial College London: ‘Eating more fruit and veg may prevent millions of premature deaths’
Which plants should you eat?
The best advice is to eat a rainbow! Your diet should contain a variety of fruit and veg for maximum nutritional balance, and one easy way to do that is to pick a colourful selection for each meal or snack.
The colours of different fruit and veg are due to the natural compounds (phytochemicals) in them. According to the British Heart Foundation, many of these phytochemicals are antioxidants (natural chemicals that are thought to protect against harmful substances called free radicals), and diets rich in foods that contain these, like fruits and vegetables, are associated with lower levels of cardiovascular disease.
Each of the natural compounds in different colours of fruit and veg are thought to bring different benefits. For example, red fruits contain lycopene which is reported to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol, and yellow and orange fruits and vegetables contain beta-carotene which our bodies use to help make hormones and keep our eyes healthy.
But aren’t vitamin pills just as effective?
The general consensus among scientists, nutritionists, and medical professionals is that vitamin pills or powders are no substitute for eating a variety of fruit and vegetables.
Most popular vitamin and mineral supplements provide no health benefit for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke.**
They don’t contain natural compounds such as fibre, which aids digestion and helps prevent bowel cancer.
They can contain synthetic vitamins which are scientifically proven not to deliver the nutritional equivalent of eating fresh fruit and veg. Not only that, but they can also contain powders, anti-caking agents, preservatives, flavourings, and processing aids.
New innovations in nutrition
If all of this talk of getting more fruit and veg into your diet every day makes you feel tired at the thought of all that shopping and preparation, don’t despair!
Instead of reaching for vitamin pills to support your body’s nutritional needs, a new generation of plant-based snacks is emerging that promise to give us the benefits of fresh fruit and veg without the fuss. But beware - not all plant-based supplements are equal - research any products you come across to make sure that the raw ingredients are fresh and varied, that there are no hidden artificial nasties, and that the nutrition will be ‘bioavailable’ to your body (more on that later).
The latest innovations in food technology mean that it is possible to capture all of the goodness of fresh produce in a supplement - our PLANT MADE superfood supplements are loved by our customers for their on-the-go convenience, and their delicious taste and crunchy texture. Find out more in the links at the bottom of this page!
Bioavailability - what is it and why is it important?
‘Bioavailability’ is the ability of a substance to be absorbed and used by the body. In terms of nutrition, the more ‘bioavailable’ the vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds are, the better our bodies can absorb and use them, so the greater the positive impact on our health and wellbeing.
In essence, it’s not just what you eat that’s important, it’s how easily your body can use it that counts.
For example, the innovative process used to create the PLANT MADE superfood supplements retains the raw 'food state' of the fresh produce, which means that vitamins, antioxidants, and plant compounds are kept intact and are highly ‘bioavailable’ for use by your body. One study showed that the vitamin C in the PLANT MADE superfood supplements was 1210% more bioavailable than isolated ascorbic acid!
Forget vitamin and mineral pills and powders - our nutritionists recommend PLANT MADE superfood supplements made from 100% fresh fruit and veg
The perfect introduction to the PLANT MADE range – it’s got 4 different blends to try them out. That’s a one week supply for most people.
Each TASTER BOX contains:
8 supplement packs, each 1 of your 5 a day and just 40 calories.x2 ANTIOXIDANT | x2 ENERGIZER | x2 VITALITY | x2 GREEN BOOST
Made from comprehensive range of 30 fruits, vegetables, seeds and superfoods to provide complete nutrition and support optimal health.
A fresh and fruity combination of fresh turmeric root, chia seed, red pepper and orange creates a powerful antioxidant blend with cell-protecting, anti-inflammatory beta-carotin and polyphenols that helps to rejuvenate skin and support eye health.
Light citrusy tones delight with a subtle hit of chilli to leave your taste buds buzzing.
17 FRESH WHOLE-FOODS TO SUPPORT:
Loaded with rich ruby reds and lush nutrient rich raw beetroot, raspberry, chilli, red pepper and tomato, it's a perfect combination to invigorate and re-energize you mid-morning.
Our combination of red fruits and veggies ensures every pack is bursting with everyday essential vitamins A, E & K. Great for maintaining low blood pressure for good heart health and boosting exercise performance.
This is a wonderful taste sensation of fire and earth with a tantalising kick of chilli for boosting your metabolism.
16 FRESH SUPERFOODS TO SUPPORT:
Our most nutrient rich blend packed with heaps of luscious leafy greens provides plant nutrients in their purest form to feed your body with exactly what it needs to tackle mid-afternoon fatigue.
The nutrient rich combination of spinach, kale and broccoli deliver essential iron, calcium and phosphorus needed to boost energy production and storage, as well as strengthen your immune system.
The combination of fresh lemon and ginger root subtly soften the hit of green.
10 FRESH SUPERFOODS TO SUPPORT:
A raw blend of protein packed edamame bean, chickpea, garden pea and hemp seed, designed to provide vitality and revive concentration levels mid-afternoon.
Rich in phytonutrients, this is the ultimate plant based power blend, delivering essential vitamin A, plant proteins and complex carbohydrates to give slow and sustained energy release just when you need it.
The light sweet and refreshing taste of lush garden greens and beans will be your perfect mid-afternoon energy boost.
10 FRESH SUPERFOODS TO SUPPORT:
Our HEALTH BOX is the ultimate in plant-based nutrition, designed to support optimum health, vitality and wellbeing. You will be amazed at what happens when you feed your body exactly what it needs!
Each box contains:
A comprehensive range of 30 vegetables, fruits and superfoods to provide complete nutrition to support optimal health.
Made from 1.25kg of fresh produce.
4 delicious blends to target morning & afternoon nutritional needs.
14 packs, each 1 of your 5 a day.
x4 ANTIOXIDANT | x3 ENERGIZER | x4 VITALITY | x3 GREEN BOOST