Death by hot dog
Simple swaps can benefit your health and the environment
Eating a hot dog could cost you 36 minutes of healthy life, while a serving of nuts could add 26 minutes, according to a University of Michigan study. Researchers looked at nearly 6,000 foods, using a Health Nutritional Index to quantify the health effects in minutes of healthy life gained or lost. They found that even small changes to your diet can have a big effect on both your health and your carbon footprint. Swapping just 10 per cent of your daily intake of beef and processed meat for fruits, vegetables, nuts and pulses could gain you 48 minutes per day and reduce your carbon footprint from food by a third.
Stylianou KS, Fulgoni VL and Jolliet O. Small targeted dietary changes can yield substantial gains for human health and the environment. Nature Food. 2, 616-627.
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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