(NewsNation) — A diet of mostly fruits, vegetables and whole grains that is also good for the planet has been shown to reduce the risk of premature death by nearly a third in people, according to a new study.
“Changing how we eat can help slow climate change, and fortunately, what’s healthiest for the planet is also best for us,” said corresponding author Walter Willett, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston.
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health led the new study. It is the first large study to directly evaluate the impacts of adherence to recommendations in the landmark 2019 EAT-Lancet report.
What is the planetary diet?
Known as the Planetary Health Diet (PHD), this regimen emphasizes minimally processed plant foods while allowing a modest intake of meat and dairy foods.
While other studies have shown plant-based diets benefit the health of people and the planet alike, the new study drew on health data from more than 200,000 men and women who were followed for up to 34 years.
The study found that the risk of premature death was 30% lower in the top 10% of participants most closely adhering to PHD compared to those in the lowest 10%. Every major cause of death, including cancer, heart disease and lung disease, was lower with the greatest adherence to this dietary plan.
Participants were free of major chronic diseases at the start of the study and completed dietary questionnaires every four years for up to 34 years. Participants’ diets were scored based on intake of 15 food groups — including whole grains, vegetables, poultry, and nuts — to quantify adherence to the PHD.
Planetary diet impact on climate
Researchers found that the participants with the highest adherence to the PHD had a substantially lower environmental impact than those with the lowest adherence, including 29% lower greenhouse gas emissions, 21% lower fertilizer needs and 51% lower cropland use.
Researchers noted that reducing land use associated with the PHD is particularly important as a facilitator of reforestation, which is seen as an effective way to further reduce the levels of greenhouse gases driving climate change.
“The findings show just how linked human and planetary health are. Eating healthfully boosts environmental sustainability—which in turn is essential for the health and well-being of every person on Earth,” Willett said.
