A new study has shown that a plant-based diet not only benefits the environment but also saves people’s lives. Dr. Walter Willett, a professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, stated that changing our eating habits can help combat climate change and improve our health. This diet, known as the Planetary Health Diet (PHD), emphasizes minimally processed plant foods while allowing for moderate consumption of meat and dairy.
Unlike previous studies that focused on short-term effects, this study drew on health data from over 200,000 men and women who were followed for up to 34 years. Researchers found that those who closely followed the PHD regimen had a 30% lower risk of early death compared to those who strayed furthest from it. This lower risk was observed across all major causes of death, including cancer, heart disease, and lung disease. None of the participants had major chronic illnesses at the beginning of the study.
Participants filled out dietary questionnaires every four years and were scored based on their intake of 15 food groups, such as veggies, poultry, whole grains, and nuts. Those with diets closest to the PHD had a significantly more positive impact on the environment as well, including lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced fertilizer needs, and less cropland use.
The study was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and was supported by research grants from the National Institutes of Health. Using less land for food production is key to promoting re-forestation, which is essential for reducing greenhouse gas levels that contribute to climate change. Willett emphasized the interconnectedness of human and planetary health, stating that eating healthfully boosts environmental sustainability, which is crucial for the well-being of every person on Earth.
