New Diet Could Prevent 15 Million Deaths Annually, Study Finds

A recent analysis from the **Eat-Lancet Commission** indicates that adopting a diet rich in fruits and vegetables while reducing meat and dairy consumption could prevent approximately **15 million deaths** worldwide each year. This significant finding highlights the potential of what is termed the **“planetary health diet”**, which is linked to a **27 percent** decrease in the risk of premature death and lower rates of chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

The recommended dietary pattern emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes like lentils and kidney beans, while allowing only moderate amounts of fish, dairy, and meat. According to the commission, “At present, all national diets deviate substantially from the planetary health diet, but a shift to this pattern could avert approximately **15 million deaths** per year (27 percent of total deaths worldwide).”

Health and Environmental Benefits

The report outlines specific dietary recommendations, urging individuals to consume around **150 grams** of whole grains (equivalent to three to four servings) and **500 grams** of fruits and vegetables (at least five servings) daily. It also suggests **25 grams** of nuts (one serving) and **75 grams** of legumes (one serving) per day. The diet permits limited intake of animal products, recommending up to **200 grams** of red meat per week, **400 grams** of poultry, **700 grams** of fish, and **500 grams** of dairy daily.

Dr. **Helen Croker**, assistant director of research and policy at the **World Cancer Research Fund**, praised the report for clarifying the need for diets that are both healthy and sustainable. She noted, “The planetary health diet set out in this report is associated with improved health outcomes – and research that we have funded also supports such a diet for people after a cancer diagnosis.”

The transition to this diet not only promises health benefits but also offers substantial environmental advantages. It could reduce the demand for resource-intensive foods like red meat, thus lowering greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating land and water usage. According to the commission, current global food systems contribute to **30 percent** of greenhouse gas emissions and are a major factor in environmental degradation.

Global Food Systems and Access Issues

Despite the global food production being sufficient to feed the world’s population, nearly half of the **8 billion** people lack reliable access to healthy food, clean environments, and fair wages. Researchers highlighted that the diets of the wealthiest **30 percent** of the population are responsible for about **70 percent** of the environmental pressure caused by food systems.

**Johan Rockstrom**, co-chairman of the commission and director of the **Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research**, emphasized the urgency of transforming food systems. He stated, “Transforming food systems is a significant environmental and social challenge, but it is a precondition for us to have a chance of returning within a safe climate system and a healthy planet.”

The report suggests that if the global population shifted towards the planetary health diet and implemented robust climate policies, greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by more than half. This reduction would be comparable to eliminating emissions from all coal-fired power plants worldwide.

To facilitate these changes, the commission advocates for government initiatives to promote healthier foods, such as imposing taxes on unhealthy products and subsidizing fruits and vegetables. **Line Gordon**, a commissioner and director at the **Stockholm Resilience Centre**, reinforced the need for public interest in decision-making around food systems, stating, “The private sector can play a crucial role in transformation, but an effective food system transformation needs to ensure that decision-making is for the public good and protected from undue corporate influence.”

The findings from the 2025 **Eat-Lancet Commission** report underscore the critical intersection of health, environment, and social equity, presenting a clear call for global action towards healthier diets that support both human well-being and the planet’s future.