NewKerala.com

Key Points

A groundbreaking report from the Lancet Commission highlights the transformative power of plant-based diets for human and planetary health. The Planetary Health Diet offers a scientifically-backed approach to reducing chronic diseases and environmental impact. By emphasizing whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, this dietary framework can potentially prevent millions of premature deaths. The research underscores the critical connection between our food choices and global health challenges.

Key Points: Planetary Health Diet Fights Chronic Diseases Globally

  • Plant-rich diet reduces chronic disease risks
  • Global food systems contribute 30% of greenhouse gas emissions
  • Planetary Health Diet can prevent 15 million premature deaths annually
  • Sustainable eating supports population growth and environmental health
3 min read

Plant-based diet can ward off chronic diseases, keep planet healthy: Report

Lancet report reveals plant-based diet can prevent millions of premature deaths while protecting planetary health and combating climate change.

"Food systems are a major contributor to many of the crises we face today, and at the same time, the key to solving them. - Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted"

New Delhi, Oct 3

Eating a plant-based diet, including whole grains, fruits and vegetables, with moderate intake of foods such as poultry and egg, can not only boost human health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, but also keep the planet healthy with less impact on climate change and biodiversity loss, according to a new report by the Lancet Commission on Friday.

The report showed that food systems are key drivers of the world's most urgent challenges, from chronic diseases and rising inequality to accelerating climate change and biodiversity loss.

Food production was also found to be a significant contributor to environmental degradation, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, leading to climate change, biodiversity loss, land use change, freshwater consumption, nutrient pollution, and novel entities such as pesticides and antibiotics.

On the other hand, adopting the Planetary Health Diet (PHD) -- a flexible, plant-rich dietary framework -- offered a clear, science-based target for a sustainable, healthy, and just food future.

The plant-rich, healthy diet in combination with global efforts to reduce food loss and waste by half can improve public health, restore planetary health, and provide enough food for an expected global population of 9.6 billion people by 2050, said the team.

The analysis also reveals that shifting global food systems and diets could prevent approximately 15 million premature deaths each year by lowering rates of chronic diseases linked to poor diets, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

"Food systems are a major contributor to many of the crises we face today, and at the same time, the key to solving them," said Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted, Commission co-chair and director for nutrition, health, and food security at the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

"The evidence laid out in our report is clear: the world must act boldly and equitably to ensure sustainable improvements. The choices we make today will determine the health of people and the planet for generations," she added.

The PHD, first introduced in 2019, recommends plant-rich, flexible diets, including whole grains, fruits and vegetables, nuts, and legumes. While the diet is complemented by moderate intakes of animal-sourced foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy, it also calls for limiting added sugars, saturated fats, and salt to reduce diet-related chronic diseases.

The report associated adherence to the PHD with significant reductions in the risk of major chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and obesity. This includes an estimated 27 per cent lower risk of premature death, or the prevention of approximately 15 million premature deaths per year globally compared to current diets.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the research, this feels like another Western solution being pushed on developing countries. In India, many people still struggle with protein deficiency. We need balanced solutions that consider our local nutritional needs and economic realities.
A
Ananya R
As someone who switched to a more plant-based diet after my diabetes diagnosis, I can personally vouch for the health benefits! Lost 8 kgs and my sugar levels are under control. Plus, it's easier on the wallet with our local vegetables and pulses. 💚
S
Sarah B
The environmental impact numbers are staggering - 30% of greenhouse gases from food production! In Delhi, we're already seeing the effects of climate change with extreme weather. Every small change in our diet can make a difference.
V
Vikram M
The flexibility mentioned is key. We don't need to go completely vegan - just reduce meat consumption and increase traditional Indian plant foods. Our thali system is actually quite balanced if we follow it properly with seasonal vegetables and whole grains.
K
Kavya N
I'm concerned about the cost aspect. While plant-based sounds good, organic vegetables and quality grains are becoming expensive in Indian cities. The government should make healthy food more affordable for common people.
M
Michael C

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50