Micronutrients & recovery
Increasing dietary diversity through the consumption of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) and wild-gathered foods prevents micronutrient deficiencies and reduces the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) compared to simplified diets based on inexpensive staples.
To improve your health, especially if you live in an area transitioning to modern diets, actively include a wider variety of local, traditional, and wild-harvested plants in your meals. Focus on leafy vegetables, legumes, and indigenous fruits to boost your intake of essential vitamins and minerals, which helps prevent chronic diseases.
The elimination of most essential nutrient deficiencies requires only small increases in the variety of food items an individual consumes... A diversity of fruits, vegetables and other plant foods generally contributes to lower rates of morbidity and mortality, and particular foods reduce risk of specific diseases.
Why this rating
The paper cites observational studies, case studies, and existing literature but notes that 'biomedical literature... gives a perspective... Nonetheless, these data are minimal or non-existent for a large number of species'.
Source
Linking biodiversity, diet and health in policy and practice
Timothy Johns et al. · Proceedings of The Nutrition Society · 2006
DOI 10.1079/pns2006494
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