Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 8: The long-revered Mediterranean diet may soon have competition as the gold standard of healthy eating. Enter the Planetary Health Diet (PHD) — a revolutionary food approach that not only promotes longevity but also contributes significantly to environmental sustainability.
Introduced by the EAT-Lancet Commission in its landmark 2019 report titled “Food in the Anthropocene”, the Planetary Health Diet was developed by 37 global experts from 16 countries. The aim? To craft a diet that can feed the world’s growing population while reducing the burden on our planet’s fragile ecosystems.
The commission’s findings are striking. A global shift towards the PHD could reduce global dietary emissions by 17% and prevent approximately 11 million deaths annually. “Our food system is both a victim and a driver of climate change. A sustainable shift in our eating habits is crucial,” noted Walter Willett, a lead researcher and professor at Harvard.
What makes up a planetary health plate?
The PHD emphasizes a largely plant-based diet, consisting of:
• High quantities of vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and unsaturated oils
• Moderate intake of dairy, fish, and poultry
• Minimal amounts of red meat, added sugar, and processed food
With a recommended energy intake of around 2,500 kcal/day, the diet aims to balance nutritional needs and environmental sustainability.
Health and longevity benefits
A recent study by researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analyzed health data from over 200,000 people over a span of 34 years. The results showed that those most closely adhering to the PHD had a 30% lower risk of premature death, including deaths from heart disease, cancer, and respiratory ailments.
Further affirming its benefits, a Spanish cohort study published in April 2025 confirmed the diet’s positive impact on both human health and environmental conservation. Dr. Mercedes Sotos Prieto of the Autonomous University of Madrid, one of the study authors, remarked, “Both the Mediterranean and Planetary Health Diets offer remarkable advantages for health and the environment when followed with consistency.”
Limitations and cultural challenges
However, the diet is not without its shortcomings. The EAT-Lancet report warns of potential nutritional gaps if the diet is not carefully managed — especially in key nutrients such as iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. These are predominantly found in animal-based sources and may be less bioavailable in plant-based alternatives due to natural compounds like phytates and oxalates.
Moreover, experts acknowledge that the PHD’s heavy reliance on plant-based foods may clash with traditional diets in many regions. For communities where animal products form a nutritional mainstay, adopting this diet may be culturally or geographically impractical.
The bottom line
While the Planetary Health Diet presents a promising path toward a longer, healthier life and a more sustainable future, it requires customization, careful planning, and cultural sensitivity to be truly effective.