A recent study confirmed that a plant-based eating regimen designed to benefit the Earth also has significant health benefits for people. Dr. Walter Willett, a professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, emphasized that shifting towards a more plant-based diet can help slow climate change while also improving human health.
The Planetary Health Diet (PHD) places an emphasis on minimally processed plant foods, with moderate consumption of meat and dairy products. The study, which followed over 200,000 men and women for up to 34 years, found that those adhering closely to the PHD had a 30% lower risk of early death compared to those with the least adherence. This lower risk applied to major causes of death, including cancer, heart disease, and lung disease.
Participants in the study completed dietary questionnaires every four years and were scored based on their intake of 15 food groups. Those who aligned closely with the PHD had a more positive impact on the environment as well, with lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced fertilizer needs, and less cropland use.
The findings, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, highlight the interconnectedness of human and planetary health. By promoting re-forestation through more sustainable food production practices, we can help reduce greenhouse gas levels that contribute to climate change. Willett noted that eating healthfully not only benefits individual health but also supports environmental sustainability, essential for the well-being of everyone on Earth.
The study was supported by research grants from the National Institutes of Health, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research in understanding the relationship between diet, health, and the environment. For more information about the Planetary Health Diet, readers can refer to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.