A new study shows that a diet that could benefit the planet could also be good for human health.
The study specifically revealed that individuals who follow the Planetary Health Diet had a 30% lower likelihood of dying prematurely.
Planetary Health Diet Could Reduce Premature Death Risk
These figures were made in comparison to those who had the lowest adherence to the diet. Findings were documented in the "Planetary Health Diet Index and risk of total and cause-specific mortality in three prospective cohorts" study.
Adherence to the diet was also found to significantly lower the impact on the environment. This included 51% lower use of land and 29% reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Walter Willet, an epidemiology and nutrition professor and a corresponding author of the study, explained that climate change is making the planet move towards a trajectory of disaster, with the food system having a major role to play.
Willet noted that shifting eating patterns could help slow down climate change. Moreover, what is good for the planet also appears to be good for humans.
The findings of the study show the close association between planetary health and human health. Eating healthily could boost the sustainability of the environment, which is also good for the wellbeing and health of all humans on Earth.
The researchers made use of data of over 200,000 men and women, making the study the first large one pertaining to the recommendations of the Planetary Health Diet.
Study participants did not have any major chronic illnesses when the study started. They also filled out dietary surveys every four years. They did so for up to 34 years.
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Planetary Health Diet
The Planetary Health Diet mainly stresses a mix of plant foods that are minimally processed. It also allows meat and dairy foods to be moderately consumed.
The diet's first proposition dates back to 2019. It was proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission as a focus for solving the global issue of having a sustainable way to feed a growing population.
The diet mainly aims to increase healthy food consumption, including that of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts. It also aims to decrease consumption of certain foods, such as sugars, red meat, and refined grains.
One of the main objectives of the diet is to lean toward plants. Hence, if a person adhering to this diet dines out in a restaurant with a plant-based option, they would opt for the plant-based choice.
The diet shares striking similarities with the Mediterranean diet. It could be followed as a vegan, plant-based, or omnivorous diet, with some dairy and meat included.
While dairy and meat take up crucial parts in the diet, they must take up notably smaller proportions compared to fruits, whole grains, nuts, vegetables, and legumes.
A planetary health plate should, ideally, have half a plate of fruit and vegetables. The other half should mostly consist of plant protein sources, whole grains, and optional animal protein sources in modest amounts.
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