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Planetary diet How changes in eating habits affect the planet
Table of Contents
1. What is a planetary diet?
The planetary diet is one of the newer ways of eating. It considers the relationship between dietary recommendations and the state of the environment. A report published in January 2019 by the scientific medical journal The Lancet presented its basic assumptions. It highlighted the issue of a sustainable diet that can contribute to reducing mortality worldwide, improving human health, and solving environmental problems related to food production and consumption.2. The objectives of the EAT-Lancet report
The EAT-Lancet Commission comprised 37 world-renowned scientists. They produced a report on how to produce and consume food that links the environment to human health. It should be noted that the document was not intended to present food regulations and prohibitions. The report emphasized that identifying one diet as the ideal diet without reducing food waste and improving the efficiency of these processes is a huge mistake. One of the priorities taken into account in the bio-economy is to achieve a sustainable future by 2050.3. Selected planetary diet strategies
The EAT-Lancet report highlights several important aspects of the diet. Firstly, it encourages a reduction in the amount of meat consumed (mainly red meat). Secondly, excessive consumption of this protein source in Western food models affects poor health and increases the risk of overweight, obesity and certain non-communicable diseases. Forecasts indicate that the adoption of red meat as a dietary model combined with economic growth may significantly affect not only human health but also the environment.4. The basic rules of the planetary diet
The planetary diet is graphically presented as a plate half filled with vegetables, fruits and nuts and half full-grain products, plant proteins (mainly onions), unsaturated vegetable fats, meat, fat, some starchy vegetables and sugar-sweetened foods. It is worth noting that it is quite flexible and can be adapted to the needs and food preferences and cultural traditions of the individual.5. A model planetary diet with 2,500 calories
Summary Report of the EAT-Lancet Commission, eatforum. Org/content/uploads/2019/01/EAT-Leancet_Commission_Summary_Report. pdf (19.03.2020) The table shows that the main sources of calorie-increasing products in the planetary diet should be high-calorie foods, unsaturated fats, fatty acids and starch. Similarly, there should be limited consumption of red meat products (which can only consume high-fat meat, eggs, or meat), but also consumption of small and medium-sized meat products.6. The most recent scientific reports
One example is a 2019 study by Leroy F. and Cofnass N., which emphasized that reducing red meat intake in the diet does not bring as much benefit. While there is much research to support this claim, there are also articles whose authors disagree with the EAT-Lancet Commission's findings. Additionally, Milner J. and Green R. note that the guidelines should be based on the regional world's research.7. Summary
In summary, the planetary diet, according to scientists, requires more detailed research. However, it must not be forgotten that it addresses very important issues related to human health as well as environmental impact. The advantage of planetary diets is flexibility. It does not take into account strict dietary guidelines and prohibitions, so it can be considered as a source of guidance that may not only benefit humans but also the planet. Its assumptions are consistent with the recommendations of the main food institutions (e.g. the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) on how to increase vegetable and fruit intake in the diet and reduce meat consumption.
