Twenty experts prepared the EAT-Lancet Commission report, Our Food in the Anthropocene:
Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems. The Commission
developed global targets for healthy diets and sustainable food production. The science-
based target for healthy diets is those composed largely of vegetables and
fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and unsaturated oils; low to moderate consumption
of seafood and poultry; and zero to low consumption of red meat, processed
meat, added sugar, refined grains, and starchy vegetables. The Commission noted
that currently, the average intake of healthy foods is far below recommended levels,
overconsumption of unhealthy foods is increasing, and that healthier diets would
reduce the environmental degradation and contribution to climate change arising
from food production.
The Commission concluded that dietary patterns with the following characteristics
reduce risk of major chronic disease and promote overall wellbeing:
• Protein sources primarily from plants, including soy foods, other legumes, and
nuts; fish or alternative sources of omega-3 fatty acids several times per
week, with optional modest consumption of poultry and eggs; low intakes
of red meat, if any, especially processed meat
• Fat, 15% (7% to 29%) of energy, largely from unsaturated plant sources, with
low intakes of saturated fats; no partially hydrogenated oils
• Carbohydrates primarily from whole grains up to 60% of energy with limited
intake refined grains and sugar less 5% of energy
• At least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, not including potatoes
• Moderate dairy consumption as an option
The Commission report noted that there is strong scientific evidence that food production
is the single largest cause of global environmental damage. Agriculture occupies
nearly 40% of global land, is responsible for up to 30% of global greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions, especially those caused by ruminant farm animals, 70% of
freshwater use and extensive degradation of land. The conversion of natural ecosystems
to croplands and pastures is the single largest cause of biodiversity loss and
species to be threatened with extinction.
Diets that are both unhealthy and environmentally unsustainable are high in calories,
added sugars, saturated fats, highly processed foods and red meats. A new
global food system that provides healthier diets for a growing world population and
preserves essential natural systems is needed and possible. It requires improving
crop yields, zero-expansion of agriculture into natural ecosystems and species-rich
forests, better management of the world’s oceans and fisheries, and cutting food
losses and wastage.
This blog presents opinions and ideas and is intended to provide helpful general information. I am not engaged in rendering advice or services to the individual reader. The ideas, procedures and suggestions in that are presented are not in any way a substitute for the advice and care of the reader’s own physician or other medical professional based on the reader’s own individual conditions, symptoms or concerns. If the reader needs personal medical, health, dietary, exercise or other assistance or advice the reader should consult a physician and/or other qualified health professionals. The author specifically disclaims all responsibility for any injury, damage or loss that the reader may incur as a direct or indirect consequence of following any directions or suggestions given in this blog or participating in any programs described in this blog or in the book, The Building Blocks of Health––How to Optimize Your Health with a Lifestyle Checklist (available in print or downloaded at Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble and elsewhere). Copyright 2021 by J. Joseph Speidel,
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