Why Plant Points Matter – And Why Organic is the Best Choice
If you’re looking to improve your health, boost your gut microbiome, and get the most from your diet, you may have heard about Plant Points. But what exactly are they, and why does choosing organic make a difference? Let’s dive in.
What Are Plant Points?
The concept of Plant Points is simple: the more diverse plant-based foods you eat, the better it is for your gut health and overall well-being. Research suggests that eating at least 30 different plant foods per week can help promote a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to improved digestion, immunity, and even mental well-being.
Each unique plant food you eat counts as one Plant Point – and these can come from:
• 🌱 Vegetables (e.g., carrots, kale, peppers)
• 🍓 Fruits (e.g., apples, berries, citrus)
• 🌾 Whole grains (e.g., quinoa, oats, brown rice)
• 🥜 Nuts & seeds (e.g., almonds, chia seeds, walnuts)
• 🥲 Legumes & pulses (e.g., lentils, chickpeas, beans)
• 🌿 Herbs & spices (e.g., basil, turmeric, cinnamon)
The greater the variety of plant-based foods in your diet, the richer your gut microbiome becomes, leading to a stronger immune system, better digestion, and even reduced inflammation.
But Here’s the Catch: Quality Matters
While eating a variety of plant foods is essential, how those foods are grown matters just as much. If you’re consuming a diverse diet but filling your plate with non-organic grown produce, you may be exposing yourself to harmful pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, and chemical residues that undermine the health benefits of eating more plants.
Why Organic Plant Points Are Better
By choosing organic, you’re ensuring that your body gets all the benefits of Plant Points—without the unwanted harmful chemicals. Here’s why organic makes a difference:
• ✅ No Synthetic Pesticides & Herbicides – Many non-organic (also known as 'conventional') crops are treated with synthetic pesticides, some of which have been linked to health concerns, including hormone disruption, neurological damage, and even cancer. A key concern is glyphosate, a widely used herbicide classified as a "probable human carcinogen" by the WHO. Organic farming avoids these harmful chemicals, reducing your exposure.
• ✅ Better for Gut Health – Some pesticides, such as organophosphates, have been shown to negatively impact gut bacteria. Studies suggest that pesticide residues can disrupt the gut microbiome, potentially leading to digestive and immune issues. Organic food supports a healthier microbiome by eliminating synthetic chemical interference.
• ✅ Higher Nutritional Value – Research indicates that organic fruits and vegetables often contain higher levels of antioxidants and essential nutrients compared to non-organic grown crops, making them a better nutritional choice.
• ✅ No GMOs – Organic certification prohibits genetically modified organisms, ensuring that your food is as nature intended.
• ✅ Better for the Planet – Organic farming supports healthier soils, protects biodiversity, and reduces pollution, making it a more sustainable choice for the environment.
Which Organic Products Should You Prioritise?
If going fully organic isn’t feasible, prioritising certain foods can help reduce pesticide exposure. According to Pesticide Action Network UK, the following foods tend to have the highest pesticide residues when conventionally grown:
• Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) – Often contain multiple pesticide residues.
• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, lettuce) – High in pesticide levels, particularly for chemicals linked to endocrine disruption.
• Apples & pears – Frequently sprayed with fungicides and pesticides that leave residues on the skin (but could also be absorbed by the fruit - and be aware, washing the fruit, even with specific produce wash products, won't eliminate all pesticides from the fruit).
• Grapes – Known to contain multiple pesticide residues, including chemicals banned in the EU.
• Peppers & tomatoes – Frequently exposed to high levels of pesticides and fungicides.
By focusing on buying organic versions of these high-residue foods, you can significantly reduce your intake of harmful chemicals while still increasing your Plant Points.
How to Get More Organic Plant Points
• Mix it up! Try new organic vegetables, fruits, grains, and herbs each week to diversify your diet.
• Shop organic where it matters most. If you can’t go fully organic, focus on produce with the highest pesticide residues.
- Stock your cupboard with tins of organic beans, lentils, chickpeas for easy and not expensive swaps to organic products
• Grow your own. Even a small herb garden can add valuable organic Plant Points to your meals.
• Buy from trusted organic brands and farmers. Look for certifications like Soil Association Organic, Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G), Biodynamic / BDA, Organic European Green Leaf, USDA Organic to ensure high standards.
Final Thoughts
Eating a diverse range of plant-based foods is one of the best things you can do for your health—but to truly reap the benefits, choosing organic is key. By avoiding harmful chemicals, you’ll not only protect your body but also contribute to a healthier planet.
So, next time you’re planning your meals, challenge yourself to hit 30 organic Plant Points for the week. Your gut—and the planet—will thank you! 🌱💚