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Modern human diets pose many risks to health and environment •
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You probably try to make the best choices you can when it comes to
feeding yourself and your family - but is what you see in the grocery
store or local market the healthiest or most sustainable option? A new
study out of McGill University has some troubling findings that reveal
most human diets, high in meat and sugar, pose health risks and harm
the environment.
## Human diets, then and now
Just a few decades ago, modern human meals tended to be simpler,
focused on home-cooked foods with less emphasis on year-round fresh
produce. While fresh fruits and vegetables were enjoyed seasonally,
variety was often more limited than today.
Today, despite vastly expanded options and knowledge about nutrition,
dietary habits have taken a turn for the worse. This begs the
question: with supermarkets bursting with variety and nutritional
information readily available, why haven't average human diets become
healthier?
Researchers from McGill University and the International Food Policy
Research Institute conducted a multi-year study to analyze the
evolution of the Canadian food supply.
Their goal was to understand how changes in food availability and
consumption patterns impact human health and the environment.
The findings indicate a troubling mismatch between what's available in
the food system and what constitutes optimal nutrition for both
individuals and the planet.
## Disappointing reality of modern human food
To assess how well the modern human food landscape supports healthy
eating, researchers needed reliable benchmarks. They chose two highly
respected sources:
* **Canada food guide:** This government-issued resource provides C
* **EAT-Lancet commission:** This global commission of scientists c
The researchers meticulously analyzed nearly 60 years of data from
Canadian farms and food companies. They wanted to understand the
complex relationship between what is produced, how it's processed, and
what products end up readily available to consumers.
Unfortunately, this in-depth analysis revealed a disheartening trend:
the food most easily accessible to the average modern human doesn't
measure up to the standards of either the Canada Food Guide or the
EAT-Lancet Commission's recommendations.
This starkly shows that although we know about healthy, sustainable
eating, our current food system does not consistently support those
choices.
## Food supply
"One of the study's most striking findings is the evident imbalance in
the food supply. There's a conspicuous overabundance of red meat and
sugar, products that have long been associated with various health
issues when consumed in excess," says Vincent Abe-Inge, Ph.D. student
in McGill's Department of Bioresource Engineering and lead author of
the study.
Sadly, we just aren't seeing a matching increase in healthier options.
"Conversely, there's a notable deficiency in healthier alternatives
like nuts, legumes, and vegetables," Abe-Inge continues.
## Diet impact on environment
We often overlook the environmental implications of what we eat.
However, a meat-heavy diet has consequences far beyond individual
health.
Animal products, while representing a smaller portion of our overall
food sources, leave a disproportionately large environmental
footprint.
The study delved into the specific environmental costs associated with
animal-based foods:
* **Greenhouse gas emissions:** Livestock production is a significa
* **Water use:** Raising animals for food requires substantial amou
* **Land use:** Animal agriculture requires vast areas of land, bot
In essence, the study highlights that our over-reliance on animal-
based foods exacts a higher cost on the planet than is necessary to
feed the population. A shift towards more plant-based diets could
significantly reduce these harmful environmental impacts.
## Better diet for better environment
The study underscores that reducing meat and sugar consumption is
beneficial, but there are broader steps humans in modern societies can
take to enhance both their health and the environment:
### Substituting plant-based proteins
While adopting a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle is not necessary,
incorporating plant-based proteins like beans or lentils instead of
meat in several meals each week can make a significant difference.
This shift not only supports personal health by reducing the intake of
animal fats and cholesterol, but also lessens the environmental
burden, as plant-based foods generally require fewer resources like
water and land compared to meat.
### More fruits and vegetables
Consistently increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables is
not only a healthful choice but also an environmentally favorable one.
These foods are packed with essential nutrients that promote health
and are more sustainable to produce than many animal-derived products.
Their lower environmental impact is due to factors such as reduced
greenhouse gas emissions and less intensive land use.
### Demand better diet and environment
Individuals have the power to influence the market by demanding more
healthful, sustainable food options. This can be done through
purchasing decisions and by voicing the need for changes in food
policy.
Consumers can encourage businesses and policymakers to prioritize the
availability of nutritious and environmentally friendly foods, leading
to broader changes in food systems and policies.
## Change is possible
This study isn't designed to make individuals feel guilty about their
dietary choices. Instead, it aims to bring widespread attention to the
systemic issues within our diets and their consequences on health and
environment.
Understanding these challenges is the first step towards positive
change. By shedding light on the disconnect between the way we produce
and consume food and its implications for health and the environment,
the study empowers consumers, policymakers, and food industry leaders
to take action.
The focus lies in advocating for solutions:
* **Informed consumer choices:** Greater awareness of these issues
* **Policy changes:** The findings highlight the need for policy in
* **Industry transformation:** Food producers and retailers have a
"There's an urgent need to adopt a holistic approach that not only
prioritizes public health but also the health of our planet. By
aligning food supply more closely with recommended dietary guidelines,
we can pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future,"
concludes Vincent Abe-Inge.
The full study was published in the journal _Global Food Security_.
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