“But it also addresses the problems associated with an increasing proportion of food that comes from animals. [production] It contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and other factors that can negatively impact the health of the planet.”
Recent study A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who followed the Planetary Health Diet had a 30% lower risk of premature death than those who didn’t.
Whole-food, plant-based diets like the Planetary Health Diet “tend to be very nutrient dense and provide important sources of ideal antioxidants, macro- and micro-nutrients for the body,” said Vadiverow, who was not involved in the study.
The study also found that people following the diet had 29% lower greenhouse gas emissions.
“Each cow emits between 154 and 264 pounds of methane gas per year.” U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyThat number rises when you consider that 1.5 billion cattle are raised specifically for meat production, emitting at least 231 billion pounds of methane into the atmosphere from beef production alone, the agency reported.
How does the Planetary Health Diet compare to other diets?
But what makes the Planetary Health Diet different from other popular eating patterns, like the Mediterranean diet or the heart-healthy DASH diet?
“The underlying elements across the patterns are similar – high intake of fruits and vegetables, which are key to almost all heart-healthy patterns, and also plenty of whole grains, nuts and seeds,” Vadiverow says.
However, there are some differences in eating habits.
The DASH diet “allows for higher intake of animal-derived foods, such as low fat, dairy, and poultry, and may be higher in portions than the Planet Healthy Diet because it doesn’t specifically focus on the health of the planet,” Vadiverow points out.
The Planetary Health diet also places stricter restrictions on total fat intake than the DASH diet, she added.
Generally speaking, the Mediterranean diet places less emphasis on dairy, Vadiverrou said. The popular diet places more emphasis on unsaturated fat sources like olive oil and fish than the Planetary Health Diet.
“Another consistent thing is [in] “All of these diet patterns — Mediterranean, DASH, Planetary — are consistent with reducing sources of added sugars, reducing sources of saturated fats, trans fats like those found in coconut oil, and solid fats like animal products,” Vadiverow points out.
She emphasizes that the best thing you can do for your health is to include more whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables, in your diet. This applies to all three health patterns. Additionally, she highly recommends limiting your intake of highly processed foods.
“Most ultra-processed foods are high in added sugars, refined grains and saturated fats, all of which are patterns that we’re telling you to limit,” Vadiverow says.
“Eat more whole foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. [and] “beans”
Do you want to be a more confident communicator? Take CNBC’s new online course Becoming an Effective Communicator: Mastering Public SpeakingWe’ll teach you how to speak clearly and confidently, how to ease your nerves, what to say and what not to say, and body language techniques to make a great first impression. Sign up now and use code EARLYBIRD to receive an introductory discount of 30% off until 7/10/2024.
plus, Sign up for the CNBC Make It newsletter Learn tips and tricks for success in work, money and life.