Global diets link environmental sustainability and human health Lauren Bernard, Erin Bleck, Jinjin Yao, Catherine Vander Woude, Jennifer Youn
Where are we heading? Food production and agriculture contributes to 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions, pollutes fresh and marine water, and occupies half of the earth s ice-free land By 2050 we will see an estimated 80% increase in GHG emissions and global land clearing Rising incomes and urbanization has caused many to adopt diets high in refined sugars, fats, oils, and meats
The Modern diet Rising incidence of chronic noncommunicable diseases such as type II diabetes, coronary heart disease, and cancer Predicted to contribute to two-thirds of global disease What is it?
Alternative Diets Pescatarian Vegetarian Mediterranean
Pescatarian Semi-vegetarian that focuses on a plantbased diet with the inclusion of fish. Includes vegetables, fruits, beans, grains, eggs, and other dairy products. Rich in essential fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and proteins what is it?
Pescatarian diet - Omega 3 fatty acid Maintains cardiovascular health Slows the development of plaque and blood clots to prevent atherosclerosis Reduces tissue inflammation Alleviates the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Pescatarian diet benefits Great source of protein and vitamin B12 and D Lowers the levels of triglycerides 25% reduction in type II diabetes 12% reduction in cancer 20% reduction in coronary mortality 14% reduction in all-cause mortality health
Pescatarian diet - cons High levels of mercury can damage the nerves in adults and disrupt development of the fetus Possible consumption of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBS) Pesticides used to raise fish can be harmful
Vegetarian - What is it? A diet that lacks meat and seafood Includes vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, fruits, eggs, and dairy products
Vegetarian Diet Benefits Decrease in amount of eaten empty calories 41% reduction in type II diabetes 10% reduction in cancer 20% reduction in coronary mortality Health
Vegetarian Diet - Health cons Does not reduce your risk for allcause mortality Need to supplement diet with protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and certain vitamins and minerals http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1530
Vegetarian Diet Supplement? Lower quality diet - Takes more energy and a longer time to break down plants - Get less energy after breaking down - Lacking protein Professor Kenaley Lecture, February 25, 2016 Why
Mediterranean Dietit? Lots of vegetables, fruit, and seafood Some grains, sugars, oils, eggs, dairy, and red wine Little poultry, pork, lamb, and beef what is
Mediterranean Diet pros 16% reduction in type II diabetes 6% reduction in cancer 26% reduction in coronary mortality 18% reduction in all-cause mortality Evidence for reduction in strokes in women
Mediterranean Diet - cons Low in Calcium and Iron Alcohol and nuts are not suitable for some Not cost effective
Mediterranean Diet - Fats Criticized for being high in fats Replace butter with olive oil Moderation and exercise
Omnivorous Diet - What is it? -AKA Global Average Diet or IncomeDependent 2050 Diet -Contains all food groups including meat, dairy, legumes, fruits, and vegetables -As annual income has increased since 1961, per capita daily demand of meat has increased -Americans on average consume 370 pounds of meat and poultry per year (livestrong. com)
Omnivorous diet and health Pros: Good source of protein Increase food security Provide essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins B12, iron, calcium, etc. Cons: Connection with being overweight and obese Increase in non-communicable diseases Type II Diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease, Cancers
Omnivorous diet environmental effects Agriculture/food production contributes to 25% of all GHG emissions By 2050, GHG emissions from food production would increase by 80% One serving of meat equals the amount of GHG emissions equal to 20 servings of vegetables Ruminant meats emit 250 times more emissions than legumes Non-trawling seafood and other meat and dairy products have much less of an emission Sustainably ruminant and meat grazing can be environmentally friendly via nutrient cycling This diet requires on average 540 million more hectares of land than the alternative diets
Wrap-up The omnivorous/common diet has vast health and environmental impacts Health: This diet trend will lead to non-communicable diseases being the dominant global disease Environment: Increases in population and the income-dependent diet would lead to large increases in land clearing in GHG emissions Alternative diets could help improve health and more sustainable for our environment if global diet became average of alternative diets there would be no increase in GHG by 2050