Why Is Everyone Talking About The Phytonutrient Spectrum? – Women’s Health
You may have heard the phrase “taste the rainbow,” but when it comes to getting all the nutrients we need, it’s just about time to take the phrase more literally. Yep, eating a balanced diet with a rainbow of beautiful colours could actually be the key to health and nourishment – something that it seems Australians are lacking. This article is brought to you by eimele.
After surveying more than 235,000 Australian adults over eight years, a 2023 report by the CSIRO found that only 35 per cent of the population is eating enough vegetables, and that alcohol, takeaway food, and confectionery dominate our diets. Eek.
The report looked at nine factors — including quantity, quality and variety of foods eaten — and estimated compliance with the Australian Dietary Guidelines, with a score out of 100.
Report co-author Gilly Hendrie said those surveyed had only scraped a pass, with an average diet score of just 55 out of 100. The average score for vegetables was 58 out of 100, with only four out of 10 adults reporting that they eat three or more different vegetables at their main meal — which is the indicator of a healthy diet.
“The score is a stark reminder of the work that needs to be done to improve our eating habits and reduce the national waistline,” explains Hendrie.
How to give your nutrition a boost
So, what can we do? Well, that’s where the rainbow comes in – otherwise known as the phytonutrient spectrum.
“Veggies and fruits should be the cornerstone of our daily diet,” says Lauren Ball, professor of Community Health and Wellbeing at the University of Queensland. “Whenever you’re in a position to make a choice between a meal or an option that’s higher in veggies or fruit, or lower, choose one that’s higher.”
“Anything we can do to support our own health and wellbeing is becoming increasingly important and this should be at the top of all of our priorities in terms of the way that we can look after ourselves.”
So it’s not just about eating veggies, but also a range of veggies. Eating across the colours of the rainbow – red, orange, yellow, green, white, blue and purple – have been linked to improved vision, decreased inflammation, reduced risk of chronic diseases (cancer, heart disease and diabetes), and strengthened immune system, according to the Mayo Clinic.
These benefits are due to the phytochemicals that occur naturally within these foods (which also give foods their distinct aroma and taste).
While each colour provides certain benefits, when paired with other colours, the effects on your health are astonishing. For example, blue and purple fruits and vegetables contain anthocyanins and antioxidants, which are not only associated with improved brain health and memory, but help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease, too. That’s why it’s important to eat, well, the rainbow.
And look, we know that due to common hurdles like being time-poor, or the current cost of living crisis, it can be hard to integrate this amount of fruit and veggies. But there are some great brands out there helping us achieve a rainbow diet, in a much easier way…
Superfood powders at the end of the rainbow
Daily comprehensive superfood powder Essential Rainbow was developed by plant-based functional nutrition brand eimele to help people get all of the benefits of the rainbow diet in one easy serving. With a nutrient-dense formula boasting pre- pro- and post-biotics, plant-based omegas and a total of 77 nutrients, this is a product that was designed to nourish and support all body systems.
Award-winning Essential Rainbow includes a combination of targeted blends to support immunity and energy, promote a thriving gut microbiome and protect the body from free radical damage. Phytonutrient rich, including polyphenols and carotenoids, it can help elevate your body’s ability to stay healthy. It also helps that it tastes delicious, too. (Hello, berry flavour).
Keep your eyes peeled, too, for individual serve sachets so that you can “eat the rainbow” anytime and anywhere. Talk about easy, healthy hacks.
This article is brought to you by eimele.
