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Diet for the planet How changes in diet affect planetary health
Table of Contents
1. What exactly is a planetary diet?
The planetary diet is a modern approach to nutrition that takes into account the relationship between dietary recommendations and the state of the environment. Its basic principles were presented in a report published in January 2019 by the scientific medical journal The Lancet. Particular attention was paid to the issue of a sustainable diet that can contribute to reducing global mortality, improving human health, and solving environmental problems related to food production and consumption.2. The Objectives of the EAT-Lancet Commission's Report
The EAT-Lancet Commission, comprised of 37 world-renowned scientists, produced a report on the methods of producing and consuming food that links the environment to human health. It should be noted that the document was not intended to present food regulations and prohibitions. The report emphasized that identifying one diet as the ideal diet without reducing food waste and improving the efficiency of these processes is a huge mistake. One of the priorities taken into account in the environment and human health is to achieve a sustainable future by 2050. The Commission pointed out that unconsidered food production can have negative impacts on the environment, including climate change, phosphorus and nitrogen pollution of water, and loss of biodiversity. Another issue discussed by the Commission was the overuse of water in agriculture. Unbalanced management of this system can result in deterioration of water quality, erosion and salinization of soil, and loss of water habitats. The EAT-Lancet Commission also discussed the issue of limiting water consumption in its report. Unfortunately, this will be very difficult to achieve in the future, as growing nuts and legumes, as an alternative to animal protein, requires large amounts of water, and water consumption can be reduced primarily by reducing waste and improving production efficiency. On the other hand, choosing one diet, such as vegan, can lead to overuse of land and fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus), which can have negative impacts on the environment.3. Carefully selected planetary diet strategies
The EAT-Lancet report highlights several key aspects of diet. Firstly, it encourages the reduction of meat consumption (particularly red meat). The commission emphasizes that the excessive intake of this protein source in Western dietary patterns leads to poor health and increases the risk of overweight, obesity, and certain non-communicable diseases. Forecasts indicate that the adoption of a diet based on red meat in conjunction with economic growth could significantly burden both human health and the environment. The second issue is the overconsumption of sweeteners, sugar, and processed foods. The commission calls for a significant reduction in the consumption of such products and highlights the necessity for further research in this area. Another strategy involves increasing the proportion of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and legumes in the diet. According to the report, food losses and waste should be reduced, as this currently constitutes a serious problem and requires immediate action.4. Fundamental principles of the planetary diet
The planetary diet is graphically represented as a half plate filled with vegetables, fruits and nuts, and the other half with whole grain products, plant proteins (mainly legumes), unsaturated vegetable fats, meat, dairy, some starchy vegetables, and sweetened foods. It is worth noting that it is flexible enough and can be adapted to individual dietary needs and preferences, as well as cultural traditions. According to the report, the daily calorie intake for an average adult should be 2500 kcal, taking into account factors such as age, sex, health status, and physical activity. Overconsumption, regardless of the amount of calories, can have negative effects on both health and the environment. In short, the planetary diet should focus primarily on vegetables, fruits, whole grain products, nuts, and legumes, with only a small portion of daily intake consisting of dairy and meat protein. Processed products and sugar should be limited.5. An exemplary planetary diet considering 2,500 calories
According to the sources: Healthy Diets From Sustainable Food Systems. Food, Planet, Health. A sample meal plan has been published that considers 2,500 calories and provides information about specific product groups. According to the table, whole grain products, unsaturated fats, nuts, and legumes should be the main sources of kilocalories in a planetary diet. The consumption of red meat (beef, pork, lamb) and poultry should be limited. Fish and eggs should only be a supplement. Highly processed foods and white sugar should be avoided. Excessive intake of sweetening substances can lead to overweight, obesity, metabolic syndrome, or inflammatory diseases.6. Latest scientific bulletins
A recommendation of the planetary diet is to limit the consumption of red meat. While there is a plethora of research supporting this claim, there are also articles whose authors disagree with the EAT-Lancet Commission's findings. In a 2019 study by Leroy F. and Cofnass N., it was emphasized that a significant reduction in meat consumption does not bring as much benefit, and that hasty recommendations can cause physical and thus health damage. Additionally, Milner J. and Green R. note that the guidelines should be tailored according to the world's regions. Their study found that replacing animal-based foods with plant-based foods brought health benefits and contributed to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, but only in high-income countries. In 2020, Zagmutt F. J., Pouzou J. G., and Costard S. challenged the information contained in the EAT-Lancet Commission's report regarding the prevention of premature deaths (approximately 10 million). They revealed the weaknesses of the assumptions and methodology used in estimating mortality and emphasized that further research is necessary to develop effective dietary guidelines.7. Summary
In brief, the planetary diet, as claimed by scientists, requires more detailed investigations. However, it must be remembered that it addresses very important matters related to human health as well as environmental impact. The benefit of the planetary diet is its flexibility. It does not take into account stringent dietary rules and prohibitions, thus can be considered as a source of guidance that may be beneficial not only to humans but also to the planet. Its assumptions align with the recommendations of the leading food institutions (e.g. the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) on enhancing vegetable and fruit intake in the diet and reducing meat consumption. It is worth noting that the report published in 2019 gained both supporters and a large number of opponents and continues to stir up much controversy to this day. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly verify the sources of scientific information, which will help avoid manipulation and disinformation in matters fundamental to human well-being and the state of the planet.
