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A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that adopting the Planetary Health Diet can significantly reduce the risk of premature death while also benefiting the planet. The diet, which emphasizes whole, plant-based foods with a modest intake of meat and dairy, has been shown to reduce the risk of early death by up to 30%. In addition, it can lower environmental impact by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and land use, according to a CBS News report.
The groundbreaking study, the first of its kind to examine the health effects of the Planetary Health Diet on such a large scale, analyzed data from more than 200,000 participants. These individuals were part of the Nurses’ Health Study I and II and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, which tracked their health over a 34-year period. Participants filled out dietary questionnaires every four years, providing a comprehensive look at their food intake.
The researchers scored participants based on their adherence to a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, poultry, and nuts, while limiting processed foods, sugars, and red meat. They found that those who closely followed the diet had a lower risk of death from major causes such as heart disease, cancer, and lung disease. The results highlight the interconnectedness between human health and the environment, showing how dietary choices can positively impact both.
In addition to the health benefits, the study revealed that the Planetary Health Diet could reduce an individual’s greenhouse gas emissions by 29% and land use by 51%. The researchers emphasize that reducing land use is crucial for reforestation efforts and mitigating the climate crisis by lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
“Climate change has our planet on track for ecological disaster, and our food system plays a major role,” said Dr. Walter Willett, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Shifting how we eat can help slow the process of climate change. And what’s healthiest for the planet is also healthiest for humans.”
The findings underscore the vital connection between human and planetary health, demonstrating that healthy eating habits contribute to environmental sustainability, which is essential for the well-being of all people.
The Planetary Health Diet, first proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission in 2019, aims to provide sustainable solutions for feeding a growing global population. Its components are similar to the Mediterranean diet and can be adapted to be fully plant-based.
For those looking to follow the diet, it encourages an increase in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and nuts, while reducing the consumption of processed sugars and red meat.
As the study shows, adopting this diet not only supports individual health but also plays a key role in combating climate change, making it a win-win for both people and the planet.
Journal Information: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
