A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes, but low in meat and dairy products, could save up to 15 million lives each year worldwide, according to a new report from the Eat-Lancet 2025 Commission.
Known as the "planetary health diet," this approach is linked to a 27% lower risk of premature death, as well as significant reductions in chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
What does the diet include?
Whole grains: about 150 g (3-4 servings per day)
Fruits & vegetables: 500 g (at least 5 servings per day)
Nuts: 25 g (1 serving per day)
Legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas): 75 g (1 serving per day)
Red meat: up to 200 g (1 time per week)
Poultry: up to 400 g (2 times a week)
Fish: up to 700 g (2 times a week)
Eggs: 3-4 per week
Dairy: up to 500 g per day
The report also highlights the importance of limiting added sugars, saturated fats and salt – especially from processed foods.
Benefits for health and the planet
Experts point out that in addition to the health benefits, this diet is also more environmentally friendly. Reducing red meat consumption reduces greenhouse gas emissions, land and water use, and helps preserve biodiversity.
If the world switched to this way of eating and implemented strong climate policies, global carbon emissions could be halved – equivalent to stopping all coal-fired power plants.
Call of scientists
Dr. Helen Croker from the World Cancer Research Fund said that this diet is one of the safest ways to reduce the risk of cancer, especially in patients after a diagnosis.
While Johan Rockström, co-chair of the committee, added:
"The way we produce and consume food affects not only our health, but also the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we cultivate, and the dignity of workers." /GazetaExpress/
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