A deep dive into the 'Power of Plants'
"When we started LEON restaurants in 2004 we wanted to make vegetables taste good. Some people thought that made us a little bit alternative. But now everyone agrees: eating more plants is good for us and good for the planet."
The Key to Good Gut Health
LEON was founded on the principles of nourishing the soul with food that nourishes the body. When we opened the first LEON restaurant in 2004, our mission was to provide everyone with naturally fast food, and food that heroes rainbow-coloured, fibre-filled plants.
While we might not have known quite as much about gut-health then as we do now, the food you will enjoy in our restaurants, our grocery range, and the recipes within the pages of our cookbooks strive to hero the POWER OF PLANTS.
Each recipe has been developed to not just taste brilliant, but to include as many different plants as possible, to be the kind of food that can contribute to a happy, healthy, and diverse community of good gut bacteria.
In our cookbook 'Happy Guts' you’ll find over a hundred recipes are that are packed with fibre & colour - two ways that you can ensure that you're eating a diet to help your gut thrive. You’ll also find some more information on the science behind it. But, if you don't have time to read through the science, here’s some quick pointers that could help you on your way.
FIBRE
Adding more fibre to your diet can have a positive impact on your health and well-being. Not only does it keep your digestive system happy and healthy, but it also supports the growth of good bacteria in your gut. These beneficial microorganisms thrive on a type of dietary fibre called prebiotics, which are abundant in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Luckily, our Leon menu and the grocery range offer a variety of delicious options that are high in fibre.
So, what makes fibre fantastic? Well, apart from aiding digestion, it serves as fuel for the good bacteria in your gut. When you consume plant-based foods rich in fibre, your body doesn’t absorb it completely. Instead, it travels through your digestive tract and reaches the colon, where the good bacteria work their magic. They ferment the prebiotics and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), also known as post-biotics.
Research has shown that SCFA have wide-ranging effects on the body. They may help regulate blood pressure and contribute to a healthy gut, reducing the risk of certain digestive disorders. Interestingly, vegetarians and vegans tend to have higher level of beneficial bacteria called Bacteroides, which are particularly skilled at producing these beneficial short-chain fatty acids.
When you eat at Leon or buy our grocery range in the supermarkets, keep an eye out for fibre-rich choices. Whether it’s a nourishing salad brimming with fresh veggies, a satisfying rice dish, our morish muhammara and heavenly hummus, you’re not only treating your taste buds, but also supporting a thriving community of good bacteria in your gut.
So, next time you visit Leon, embrace the fibre, and give your body the nourishment it craves. Enjoy the delicious plant-based options, knowing that you’re taking care of your digestive health and promoting overall well-being.
Eat the rainbow.
We know that we should all aim to eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day, however new research has shown that eating a variety of plants is just as important for our long term health. Think beyond just fruits and veggies—whole grains, nuts, seeds, and spices also play a role.
Challenge yourself to embark on a delightful culinary adventure, exploring a wide spectrum of colourful plants. The more diverse your plant intake, the happier your gut will be. Let the vibrant rainbow of nature's bounty inspire you to optimise your gut health and enrich your diet. Together, let's celebrate the joy of eating the rainbow!
Eat foods containing live microbes.
These foods will contain the very bacteria we want to help thrive, known as probiotics. They’re found in particularly tasty foods, especially fermented goodies which generally contain a wide variety of different types of bacteria. Kombucha, kefir, live yoghurt and kraut and miso, to name just a few.
LESS MEAT, MORE PLANTS
By eating less meat and choosing pastured, grass-fed meat when we do, we naturally make room for more plants (and maybe fish) on our plates.
Exercise, relax & sleep.
Studies show that exercise can help keep our guts happy, too. As can taking time to de-stress and getting enough sleep.
Our promise.
At LEON, we promise to always help you choose more plants, and better meat. Your gut health is important to us. And we believe it is the future of fast food.
Article was first written: 09/2021
Article was modified: 06/2023
Please note the above date that this article was first written. While we’re aware policy and knowledge will grow, develop, and change, LEON is driven by the values and principles that we have instilled in the business from day one and strive to share our knowledge and findings with our growing LEON community.
Our references.
[1] https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-get-more-fibre-into-your-diet/#:~:text=Eating%20plenty%20of%20fibre%20is,of%20a%20healthy%20balanced%20diet (https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-get-more-fibre-into-your-diet/#:~:text=Eating%20plenty%20of%20fibre%20is,of%20a%20healthy%20balanced%20diet).
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