Shillong, July 24: New research suggests that adopting a more environmentally sustainable diet, rich in planet-friendly foods, could lead to a longer, healthier life and reduce the risk of death by approximately 25%.
The study builds upon prior research that identified foods beneficial to both health and the environment, such as whole grains, fruits, non-starchy vegetables, nuts, and unsaturated oils. Conversely, foods like eggs, red and processed meats were identified as harmful to both the environment and human health.
IANS reported that rating planet-friendly foods has the potential to reduce the risk of death from various causes, including cancer, heart disease, respiratory diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, it can help reduce environmental impacts related to water use, land use, nutrient pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
The researchers aimed to develop a simple tool, the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI), which policymakers and public health practitioners can use to develop strategies for improving public health and addressing the climate crisis.
To create the PHDI, the researchers reviewed existing research on the relationship between various food groups and health outcomes, considering data from over 100,000 participants in two large studies. The data set spanned over three decades, from 1986 to 2018, and included over 47,000 deaths.
Individuals with higher PHDI scores, indicating a diet rich in planet-friendly foods, experienced a 25% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those with lower scores. Moreover, higher PHDI scores were associated with a reduced risk of death from cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and respiratory diseases.