The sustainability of various diets based on protein sources.
By Vijay Kumar MalesuOct 23 2023Reviewed by Lily Ramsey, LLM In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, a group of researchers assessed the sustainability of various diets based on protein sources, considering environmental, health, economic, and nutritional aspects. The study used data from a large French cohort.
Despite the recognized health risks and high emissions from animal-based foods, Western dietary habits remain largely unchanged, overshadowing the emergent market for plant-based alternatives. Environmental impact was evaluated using the DIALECTE tool and the ReCiPe score, considering factors like greenhouse gas emissions and land use.
These clusters were then examined and compared based on socio-demographic traits, food consumption, and other health and economic indicators. The Fast-food-based cluster, the largest at 29%, leaned towards fast food, cereals, and fatty, sweet products. The Healthy-fish-based and Healthy-plant-based clusters, at 25% and a scant 3%, respectively, favored seafood and plant-derived proteins like soy, legumes, nuts, and fruits and vegetables.