Sustainable Nutrition: Biodiversity on Your Plate, & Why It Matters

When we think about eating for health, our minds often jump to nutrient density, calorie balance, or perhaps the latest superfood trend. But there’s a deeper, often overlooked element of nutrition that not only supports our own wellbeing but also the health of the planet: biodiversity in our diet.

What Is Nutritional Biodiversity?

Nutritional biodiversity simply means eating a variety of different foods, especially plant-based ingredients, across the year. It’s not just about eating your “five-a-day” but about exploring different species, colours, and food groups.

Instead of relying on the same few staples, biodiversity encourages us to rotate and diversify our meals. This might mean trying ancient grains like teff, amaranth, or millet, adding more legume varieties such as black turtle beans or adzuki beans, or exploring lesser-known vegetables like kohlrabi, celeriac, or purple carrots.

Why It Matters for Your Health

1. Broader Nutrient Spectrum – Different foods contain unique combinations of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and fibre. Eating a wider range increases the odds of hitting micronutrient targets without over-relying on supplements.

   
   

2. Gut Health Boost – Research shows that a diverse fibre intake supports a richer gut microbiome, which in turn improves digestion, immunity, and even mood regulation.

   
   

3. Lower Chronic Disease Risk – Diet diversity is linked to reduced inflammation and a lower risk of conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

   
   

Why It Matters for the Planet

Our current global food system is heavily dependent on just a handful of crops - wheat, maize, and rice make up more than 40% of our calorie intake. This monoculture farming approach drains soil health, reduces resilience to pests, and makes our food supply more vulnerable to climate change.

By choosing a variety of foods, especially seasonal and locally grown produce, we:

• Reduce demand pressure on single crops

• Support small-scale and regenerative farmers

• Help preserve rare and traditional plant varieties

  
  

How to Put More Biodiversity on Your Plate

• Shop the rainbow – Aim for different colours on your plate each day.

• Try one “new-to-you” food each week – This could be a grain, herb, spice, or vegetable.

• Eat seasonally – Buy produce that’s in season where you live to support local biodiversity and reduce transport emissions.

• Explore cultural cuisines – Many traditional diets naturally embrace variety and seasonal diversity.

  
  

A Simple Example

Instead of your usual chicken and broccoli stir-fry, swap:

• Protein: Chicken → Lentils + tempeh mix

• Veg: Broccoli → Broccoli + purple cabbage + snow peas

• Carb: White rice → Quinoa + wild rice blend

• Flavour: Soy sauce → Tamari + fresh ginger + sesame seeds

The Takeaway

Sustainable nutrition isn’t just about “healthy for you”, it’s about healthy for the planet. By putting more biodiversity on your plate, you’re nourishing your body, protecting ecosystems, and helping to safeguard our food future.

Your dinner choices might seem small, but multiplied by millions, they can change the world.

By: Tracy O'Brien - Clinical Nutritionist (BHSc Nut Med)