A diet primarily composed of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, plant-based proteins, and unsaturated fats has been shown by research to be beneficial for both the planet and physical health.

 

A research team at the University of Birmingham in the UK analyzed data on household food consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for each type of food.

The analysis results show that currently 56.9% of the global population is excessively consuming meat and dairy products. Meat and dairy are the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions related to food.

 

The research team analyzed that if people worldwide practice the 'Earth Health Diet,' greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by 17%. The Earth Health Diet consists of ▲50% vegetables and fruits ▲17% whole grains ▲11.7% plant-based proteins ▲9.5% plant oils ▲3.6% meat and fish ▲3.6% dairy products ▲3% added sugars such as sugar ▲1.5% root vegetables.

In one meal, it is recommended to consume ▲300g of vegetables, 200g of fruits, ▲232g of whole grains (two slices of whole wheat bread or 60g of whole grain rice or 80g of whole wheat pasta), ▲250g of dairy products, ▲25g of plant-based protein (50g of nuts or 50g of legumes), ▲7g of animal-based protein (a quarter of a hamburger, one-fifth of an egg, a quarter of a slice of bacon, or one-third of a fish fillet), ▲25g of unsaturated fatty acids, and 31g of sugar or artificial sweeteners.

 

Since they mainly consist of eco-friendly ingredients such as those with minimal land loss or greenhouse gas emissions during production, it is analyzed to be beneficial to the Earth's environment. The research team stated, "By reducing the intake of animal proteins such as meat and replacing them with plant-based proteins like beans and nuts, we were able to decrease greenhouse gas emissions." Meat produces the highest amount of greenhouse gases among food items. According to Carbon Brief, a UK greenhouse gas data analysis organization, producing 1 kg of beef results in 60 kg of carbon emissions, while pork produces 7 kg, and chicken and duck produce 6 kg.

 

The Earth-friendly healthy diet is composed mainly of nutritious ingredients, allowing for benefits in improving physical health. Whole grains, unsaturated fats, and plant-based proteins are healthy foods that reduce inflammation in the body, promote smooth metabolism, and gently raise blood sugar levels.

 

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Creating a meal plan is not an easy task.

It's too difficult, and eating the same thing every day is also not good.

Once you make it, you have to eat it for a few meals.

 

It seems like a bit difficult to have the same menu at the cafeteria.

 

Still, it's right to take care of it with a healthy diet, right?