Spaghetti and Lentil "Meatballs"

Delicious, colourful recipes designed with specific ingredients using the “Dietary Inflammatory Index” that may reduce inflammation.

This recipe is anti-inflammatory because it:

• Has a low score on the Dietary Inflammatory Index

It also has other benefits because it:

• Contains herbs or spices
• Contains olive oil
• Is a source of omega 3

Nutrient dense recipes, high in antioxidants, packed with colour and diversity to promote gut health, inflammation balance and a healthy mind.

This recipe is good for general wellbeing because it:

• Passes the Healthy Eating Index

A healthy gut means better digestion, immunity and mood. The key is plenty of fibre, lots of plant variety and anti-inflammatory foods to protect your gut lining and feed your gut microbes.

This recipe is good for gut health because it:

• Contains 6+ plant points
• Has a low score on the Dietary Inflammatory Index
• Has more than 12g of fibre

It also has other benefits because it:

• Contains herbs or spices
• Contains polyphenol-rich foods
• Contains prebiotics
• Contains probiotics

More plant points mean a more diverse diet. Aim for 30 plant points each week to support a healthy gut microbiota and lower the risk of cognitive decline, depression and type 2 diabetes. 🌱🥗

Protein keeps us feeling full and supports healthy bones and muscles—essential for healthy ageing. But the source matters: more plant-based protein is linked to extra health benefits, likely due to added fibre and polyphenols.

This meal sets you on track for 30g of fibre per day. Increasing your fibre intake can reduce heart disease risk by up to 30% and improve brain function. 🧠

These live microorganisms increase the richness and diversity of beneficial microbes in the gut – which can aid digestion, lower inflammation and help with obesity, allergic diseases and high cholesterol. Recent studies suggest they could even sharpen the mind and improve mood. 🦠🧠

They ‘feed’ beneficial gut bacteria which support gut and immune health, and may even influence brain function through the gut-brain axis. 🦠🧠

Having higher levels of omega-3 is tied to improved heart health, inflammation, cognitive function and a longer life expectancy.

They add polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that could help lower the risk of chronic diseases. Each spice adds ¼ plant point, which increases diet variety and supports a healthy gut microbiome. 🌱

Eating 1-2 handfuls (30-60g) of nuts and seeds daily could support your heart and brain function. They contain healthy unsaturated fats, protein, fibre, and polyphenols, which are known to counteract oxidative stress and inflammation. 🌰🧠

Eating 1-2 servings of legumes daily can improve cholesterol levels, lower the risk of heart disease and cut cancer mortality by almost half (49%). They are rich in protein and dietary fibres, which help control glucose levels after eating and support beneficial gut microbes. 💪🫘

Eating 1-2 servings of leafy green vegetables every day is tied to a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cognitive decline – the equivalent of being 11 years younger! 💡🥬

Soybeans are packed with protein and isoflavones, which can help lower cholesterol and ease menopausal symptoms. Despite some claims, research shows soy doesn’t affect testosterone levels and may even lower breast cancer risk.