
What is thirty-a-week diet? Could a colourful plate be the secret to better health
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What is the 'Planetary Health Diet'? New study reveals the foods that could help you live to 100
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For decades, we've lived by the simple dietary rule—eat your five-a-day. It's easy to remember, quick to recite, and scientifically sound. But as nutrition science deepens its roots in the gut, a more ambitious, albeit surprising guideline is stepping into the limelight: thirty plants a week.Yes, thirty. And not just fruits and vegetables, but an entire ecosystem of plant-based foods—whole grains, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. At first glance, it may sound like a wellness influencer's to-do list. But behind this colourful prescription lies credible science—and it's sparking a quiet food revolution.Edward Mather, the lead nutritionist at FuelHub, believes that eating 30 different plant-based items weekly could be the most beneficial upgrade to your current diet. In a conversation highlighted by The Mirror, Mather explained, 'Thirty plants a week is definitely achievable if you take the necessary steps.' His enthusiasm isn't just rooted in optimism—it stems from research-backed findings that tie plant diversity directly to gut health This approach gained momentum after the 2018 American Gut Project , one of the largest citizen-science studies on human microbiomes, revealed a fascinating insight: individuals who consumed over 30 different plant foods a week had significantly more diverse gut microbiomes than those who ate fewer than 10. And in the world of gut health, diversity is king. A richer microbiome doesn't just improve digestion—it's linked to better immunity, mood, and even cognitive function.Professor Tim Spector, co-founder of the ZOE Health Study and a well-known name in nutritional science, echoed similar sentiments on the ZOE podcast. 'This 30, you know, it may have been plucked out of the ether somewhat,' he joked, 'but... we now have a randomised controlled trial to say that diversity of plants... have a very rapid effect on transforming many people's gut microbes.'Of course, committing to thirty different plant items in a week might seem daunting at first. But Mather believes it's a habit that can be woven into daily life with a bit of creativity and planning.'Each plant food counts as one point,' he clarified. 'Mix up your meals—throw extra veggies into stir-fries, choose nuts and fruits for snacks, and don't forget that herbs like basil and spices like turmeric also count.' From smoothie bowls bursting with berries and seeds to colourful salads sprinkled with chia, every dish becomes an opportunity.Batch cooking at the start of the week, he suggests, can help ease the process—ensuring each meal carries a plant-powered punch.
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Time of India
18-07-2025
- Time of India
What is thirty-a-week diet? Could a colourful plate be the secret to better health
Not Just a Trend You Might Also Like: What is the 'Planetary Health Diet'? New study reveals the foods that could help you live to 100 Turning a Challenge into a Celebration You Might Also Like: How much fruit and veg should you eat to reduce your diabetes risk? Experts weigh in For decades, we've lived by the simple dietary rule—eat your five-a-day. It's easy to remember, quick to recite, and scientifically sound. But as nutrition science deepens its roots in the gut, a more ambitious, albeit surprising guideline is stepping into the limelight: thirty plants a thirty. And not just fruits and vegetables, but an entire ecosystem of plant-based foods—whole grains, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. At first glance, it may sound like a wellness influencer's to-do list. But behind this colourful prescription lies credible science—and it's sparking a quiet food Mather, the lead nutritionist at FuelHub, believes that eating 30 different plant-based items weekly could be the most beneficial upgrade to your current diet. In a conversation highlighted by The Mirror, Mather explained, 'Thirty plants a week is definitely achievable if you take the necessary steps.' His enthusiasm isn't just rooted in optimism—it stems from research-backed findings that tie plant diversity directly to gut health This approach gained momentum after the 2018 American Gut Project , one of the largest citizen-science studies on human microbiomes, revealed a fascinating insight: individuals who consumed over 30 different plant foods a week had significantly more diverse gut microbiomes than those who ate fewer than 10. And in the world of gut health, diversity is king. A richer microbiome doesn't just improve digestion—it's linked to better immunity, mood, and even cognitive Tim Spector, co-founder of the ZOE Health Study and a well-known name in nutritional science, echoed similar sentiments on the ZOE podcast. 'This 30, you know, it may have been plucked out of the ether somewhat,' he joked, 'but... we now have a randomised controlled trial to say that diversity of plants... have a very rapid effect on transforming many people's gut microbes.'Of course, committing to thirty different plant items in a week might seem daunting at first. But Mather believes it's a habit that can be woven into daily life with a bit of creativity and planning.'Each plant food counts as one point,' he clarified. 'Mix up your meals—throw extra veggies into stir-fries, choose nuts and fruits for snacks, and don't forget that herbs like basil and spices like turmeric also count.' From smoothie bowls bursting with berries and seeds to colourful salads sprinkled with chia, every dish becomes an cooking at the start of the week, he suggests, can help ease the process—ensuring each meal carries a plant-powered punch.


Time of India
16-07-2025
- Time of India
Terminal mom refuses to let kids watch her suffer — starves herself to death in final act of love
A 42-year-old mother of two, Emma Bray , who lived in Barnstaple, England with her children aged 15 and 14, was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in 2022. The condition slowly eats up the abilities of normal body movements, like moving, speaking and even breathing. Her Condition Got Worse Over Time Emma said she could no longer use her arms or legs. She had trouble talking, eating, and even breathing. She needed help from carers many times a day and couldn't be left alone at night, as per the reports. ALSO READ: Kremlin issues stark nuclear warning after Trump sends weapons to Ukraine that can strike deep inside Russia by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 25 Brilliant Plant Hacks That Will Change the Way You Grow Things Learn More Undo She couldn't even scratch an itch or move a bedsheet if she was too hot or cold. Emma felt like she had lost who she truly was, and she saw sadness on her loved ones' faces, as stated by The Mirror. She Fought for the Right to Die with Dignity Emma supported a UK law called the Assisted Dying Bill. She believed the bill would've saved her family from years of emotional pain. She especially hated not being able to comfort her crying children. She said MND took away their mom piece by piece, according to the reports. Live Events Her final choice: Voluntarily stopping eating and drinking Emma chose to end her life by refusing food and water — a method called VSED. This was the only legal way she could take control of her death in England. She wanted to avoid choking or dying in fear, and instead be surrounded by love and music, according to the report by PEOPLE. Her last wish as a mom was to protect her kids from trauma and let them remember her in peace. She waited until her daughter finished high school and her son grew a little older. ALSO READ: Rigetti unveils 36-Qubit quantum breakthrough — investors go wild, stock jumps 20% Her goodbye message on Instagram On July 14, Emma posted her own death announcement from her account @stupid_mnd. She shared a final photo of herself lying in a hospice bed looking out at the trees, as per the reports. She wrote that she had lived a good life, full of love, music, and laughter. Emma asked people to remember her by doing kind things — like planting a tree, watching sunsets, or calling a friend. She ended her post with a line from a Frank Turner song, 'Remember you get to dance another day but now you have to dance for one more of us.' Her final words were: 'Love you, bye', as per the report by PEOPLE. FAQs Q1. Why did Emma Bray starve herself to death? She chose to die through VSED so her kids wouldn't have to see her suffer from motor neuron disease. Q2. What is VSED and why did Emma use it? VSED means refusing food and water to die naturally, and Emma used it to stay in control since assisted dying is illegal in the UK.


News18
07-07-2025
- News18
Pregnant Woman Mistook Lump In The Leg For Yoga Strain. It Was 1-In-A-Million Cancer
Last Updated: While pregnant, Zoe from Bournemouth discovered she had a rare cancer called PEComa. Given months to live, she gave birth, had surgery, and continues to fight two years on The human body often conceals silent changes, and sometimes what appears minor can signal something far more serious. This was the case for Zoe Handscomb-Edwards, a young mother from Bournemouth, England, who discovered she had a rare form of cancer while pregnant, after initially believing a lump on her leg was simply a muscle strain from yoga. Zoe first noticed the painless lump, larger than a golf ball, in October 2022. Around the same time, she found out she was pregnant, which filled her with joy. Focused on her pregnancy, she dismissed the lump until a friend urged her to consult a doctor. She eventually did in February 2023. Three months later, at 16 weeks pregnant, Zoe was diagnosed with PEComa, a rare type of sarcoma that affects just one in a million people. In May 2023, while seven months pregnant, surgeons removed a 20cm tumour from her leg. A planned caesarean followed in July, and she safely gave birth to her daughter, Penelope. However, in August, a PET scan revealed the cancer had already spread. Doctors gave Zoe a grim prognosis: six months to two years to live. Reflecting on her journey, she described the diagnosis as the second worst day of her life, second only to the fear of undergoing surgery while carrying her baby. Despite the devastating news, Zoe chose to embrace life. She travelled across Europe with three-month-old Penelope and continued treatment. Two years on, she is still fighting and doing well. Now, she is using her voice to raise awareness about PEComa and the importance of getting unusual lumps checked early. First Published: