From vegconomist.com
In 2019, the landmark EAT-Lancet report outlined a new Planetary Health Diet designed to improve human health and sustainability. The guidelines recommend eating more whole plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, while decreasing the consumption of less healthy foods such as red meat, sugar, and refined grains.
While the recommendations have gained significant traction, they have also attracted criticism from some quarters, including claims that the diet could lead to micronutrient shortages. A new study published in The Lancet aims to address these concerns, recommending seven thematic areas for the development of the Planetary Health Diet.
Bioavailability
The bioavailability of certain nutrients in plant-based foods, such as iron, zinc, and calcium, can be lower than in animal-source foods. However, the study finds that there are several methods of improving bioavailability, including techniques such as milling, soaking, cooking, fermenting, and germinating.
The authors note that while some plant-based foods have low calcium absorption rates, others have even higher absorption rates than dairy. Regarding iron, bioavailability can be significantly improved by consuming vitamin C.
Indigenous foods
The study recommends that indigenous foods should be acknowledged as part of the Planetary Health Diet, in recognition of their role in resilient and diverse food systems and their environmental, nutritional, cultural, and socioeconomic benefits. Countries could promote the consumption of these foods by incorporating them into their national dietary guidelines.
Diverse and inclusive food-based approaches
The Planetary Health Diet encompasses a range of dietary choices, from plant-forward diets containing some animal products to fully vegan diets. However, the study has identified a need for concrete guidelines regarding what constitutes well-planned vegan or vegetarian diets.
In particular, the researchers acknowledge the need for information on substituting cow’s milk and meeting calcium requirements with plant-based food. This could involve adding fortified plant-based milk to the dairy group in the Planetary Health Diet’s nutritional guidelines, or recommending foods such as leafy greens as a calcium source.
Gender perspectives
People who identify as female typically consume less meat and more plant-based foods than those who identify as male. Some critics have claimed that the Planetary Health Diet may not provide enough iron for people who menstruate; however, the researchers dispute this, claiming that plant-based diets may have benefits for this group.
For example, meat consumption has been associated with endometriosis, while healthy plant-rich diets have been found to reduce breast cancer risk. Consequently, the authors argue that those who menstruate should not be advised to consume more meat to increase their iron intake.
Processed foods
The EAT–Lancet Commission discourages the consumption of highly processed foods. However, some plant-based foods that fall within this category are not detrimental to health, such as soy milk and wholegrain bread. Consequently, the study recommends clearer guidance on how to select healthier plant-based foods.
One Health approach
Finally, the study recommends the integration of the One Health approach, which aims to balance and optimize the health of people, the environment, and animals. While the Planetary Health Diet’s recommendations are already in line with One Health, more could be done to acknowledge topics such as wildlife conservation, the transmission of foodborne illnesses, zoonotic spillover, and antimicrobial resistance.
Slowing down climate change
Despite claims that the Planetary Health Diet is not nutritionally adequate, a separate study published last year found that those who follow the diet may substantially decrease their risk of premature death.
“Climate change has our planet on track for ecological disaster, and our food system plays a major role,” said study author Walter Willett, a professor of epidemiology and nutrition. “Shifting how we eat can help slow the process of climate change. And what’s healthiest for the planet is also healthiest for humans.”
https://vegconomist.com/health/shortfalls-planetary-health-diet-addressed-plant-forward-perspective/
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