A diet that is better for you is also better for the planet
A review of three large US studies, with over 34 years of follow-up, found that people who eat a more sustainable, plant-based diet lower their risk of premature death and environmental impact.
Those sticking most closely to the EAT-Lancet Commission’s Planetary Health Diet lowered their risk of every major cause of death, including cancer and heart disease. They also had a much lower environmental impact, including 29 per cent lower greenhouse gas emissions and 51 per cent less land use. Co-author Walter Willett, professor of epidemiology and nutrition, said “Shifting how we eat can help slow the process of climate change. And what’s healthiest for the planet is also healthiest for humans.”
The Planetary Health Diet emphasises high-quality plant foods but permits small amounts of meat and dairy, it seems likely the benefits observed would be increased even further with a vegan diet.
Linh P Bui, Tung T Pham, Fenglei Wang et al. 2024. Planetary Health Diet Index and risk of total and cause-specific mortality in three prospective cohorts. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 120 (1) 80-91.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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