A recent study indicates that a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in meat and dairy products could save 15 million lives worldwide annually.
The "planetary health diet" is associated with a 27 percent lower chance of early death, along with decreased rates of heart disease,cancer, diabetesand other long-term illnesses, a 2025 Eat-Lancet Commission report stated.
This eating plan primarily consists of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes like lentils and kidney beans, with only limited or small portions of fish, dairy, and meat.
Scientists stated: "Currently, all national diets significantly differ from the planetary health diet, but transitioning to this eating pattern could prevent around 15 million deaths annually (27 percent of global total deaths)."
Such a shift could lower the incidence of various specific non-communicable diseases and encourage longer, healthier lives.
Experts emphasize the ecological advantages of this eating pattern, noting that it may decrease the need for high-resource-demand foods like red meat, thus lowering greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of land and water.
The suggested eating plan encourages individuals to consume whole grains (approximately 150g or three to four portions daily), fruits and vegetables (500g or a minimum of five portions each day), nuts (25g or one portion per day), and legumes (75g or one portion per day).
It may involve a moderate consumption of animal-based foods, including red meat (maximum 200g or one portion weekly), poultry (up to 400g or two portions weekly), fish (up to 700g or two portions weekly), eggs (3-4 per week), and dairy products (up to 500g daily, equivalent to one serving of milk, yogurt, or cheese per day).
The diet also recommends reducing intake of added sugars, saturated fats, and salt—common ingredients in processed foods.
Dr. Helen Croker, assistant director of research and policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, stated: 'The commission offers valuable insight into the crucial issue of promoting nutritious diets that are both sustainable and available to everyone worldwide.'
The diet for planetary health outlined in this report is linked to better health results – and studies we have supported also back this diet for individuals following a cancer diagnosis.
It's encouraging that nutritious eating habits can match the most environmentally friendly global standards, but now it's time for nations to enact policies that enhance access to them.
Experts noted that despite sufficient global food production, nearly half of the world's eight billion people (approximately 3.7 billion) lack consistent access to nutritious food, a clean environment, or a wage that supports a decent standard of living.
The food choices of the top 30% of the world's wealthiest individuals contribute to about 70% of the total environmental impacts from food production, they noted.
Johan Rockstrom, who serves as co-chair of the commission and is the director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, stated: 'Reforming food systems presents a major environmental and social challenge, yet it is essential if we are to have any hope of operating within a safe climate framework and maintaining a healthy planet.'
How the food is made and consumed influences the air we inhale, the water we drink, the soil that supports our crops, and the well-being and respect of workers and local communities.
The results indicate that if the whole world adopted the planetary health diet and implemented robust climate policies to cut emissions in every sector, greenhouse gas emissions could decrease by over 50% – similar to eliminating emissions from all coal-fired power plants worldwide.
The committee also urged measures to safeguard existing forests, wetlands, and other natural environments in order to maintain biological diversity.
The report stated that authorities have the ability to implement measures to encourage nutritious eating, such as imposing levies on unhealthy items, and providing financial support for fruits and vegetables.
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