Recent studies have indicated climate-friendly diet also can be known as longevity diet. Since 1990 global burden of disease study, which has been running in 204 countries around the world, involves more than 9000 researchers. This is the largest study of human nutrition and disease in existence.
These findings were impressive. Individuals can live an average of 10 years longer compared to others, if they follow and optimal diet from the age of 20. At age 60, changing to a healthy diet can increase our life expectancy by 8 years and by changing at age 80, can be increased by three and a half years.
A diet consists of, whole food, mostly plants such as whole grains, legumes, seeds, fruits and vegetables with minimal animal products. If you wish you can choose not to be vegetarian. In fact, small amount of animal product is included in most traditional diets. But to eat for longevity, as you’re able to include as many whole plant foods in your diet.
EPIC-Greece Cohort, another large study evaluated which changes in diet provides the biggest health benefits. Once again, they found by consuming more plants and less meat had the most impact on health and diseases.
The findings are mirrored in other large studies such as the nurse’s health study. The Adventist health study is followed up by health professionals. And they are backed up in real life by the “blue zones” these are the areas where individuals on average live long and healthy lives, in place such as Ikaria Greece, Sardinia Italy and Okinawa Japan living up to 100 is not uncommon.
Many common features can be found in the blue zones, but from a diet perspective, they follow the same pattern of less meat and more plants. 95% of individuals who live up to 100 years mostly follow a vegetarian diet. Fortunately, from a climate perspective this is also good for our planet.
According to research it shows that consuming more plants, and less meat and dairy, will benefit the environment. Leading scientist’s world wide recommends, to prevent early death, diseases and future damage to the world.
By consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains and less meat products which will benefit not only our body but the planet too.
