Study: Eating a 'planet-friendly' diet reduces risk of premature death
Do you want to reduce your risk of dying prematurely and suffering from chronic diseases? Consider this diet...
Food plays a huge role in your overall health.
Eating healthily gives your body the nutrients you need.
A new study from Harvard University found that eating 'planet-friendly' foods which are less harmful to the planet than red and processed meats can prolong your life.
Planet-friendly foods are eco-friendly foods and consist of more plant-based foods such as whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and nuts.
The study reveals that those who consume such foods are 'less likely to die over the course of 30 years compared with those who ate less environmentally friendly meals'.
According to Eat Forum organisation, a planetary healthy diet consists of not only plant-based food, but meat and dairy is served in significantly smaller proportions than whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes.
READ: Can a vegan diet be dangerous?
Not only will the diet help you live longer, but the study found that it can also help fight against heart disease, bowel cancer, diabetes, and stroke. This was supported by another report by the World Health Organisation which states that eating healthily protects you against many chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Monique Piderit, a registered dietitian, says going vegan or vegetarian “helps support the planet’s vulnerable food production systems in an ever-increasing population”.
Monique says that “while the environmental impact of different foods varies hugely, food production as a whole is responsible for a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global warming”.
As a result, Monique says a “plant-based diet is therefore also about sustainable eating and includes a focus on environmental impacts”.
However, she warns that it is crucial for you to know what your body needs and be sure that you have no deficiencies. This is why Monique says "it’s important that if you choose this way of eating to work with a dietitian to help guide you on reaching your nutrient requirements, potentially checking for deficiencies with blood tests, and guiding you on supplementation as and when needed".
READ: Save the planet: Why a plant-based diet is a better option
Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.
Image courtesy of iStock/ @YelenaYemchuk