Recent research has found that a plant-based diet may have the power to halve the carbon footprint of your plate. The Frontiers in Nutrition study found that in addition to having a lower environmental impact, a plant-based diet has comparable nutrition to a Mediterranean diet and even lowers mortality rates.
Halving carbon footprint
The study found that those on a plant-based diet, including vegans and vegetarians, have a significantly lower carbon footprint than those on a traditional Mediterranean diet; in fact, the study found that the footprint is 46% lower, which means the plant-based plate has almost half the carbon emissions in its production from farm to fork.
Other benefits
A diet rich in plants has benefits that go beyond your carbon footprint. The study found that in terms of macronutrients, the diets did not differ hugely and that those on plant-based diets ate sufficient protein. It also found that those on plant-based diets have a reduction in lower premature mortality of around 20% from non-communicable diseases.
Supplements
The study revealed that those on plant-based diets had lower amounts of B12, vitamin D, and iodine; however, these can all be easily supplemented. Another important consideration is omega 3 vegan supplements, which you can buy directly from manufacturers such as vitortho.co.uk/supplements/categories/a-z-all-supplements/vegan-omega-3.
Those looking to find ways to help the future of our planet may be interested to learn how much difference can be made by simply turning down meat. Provided you supplement your diet with certain vitamins and minerals, this won’t have a detrimental effect on your body. ,
