Optimal DX Hot Topics: Food Choices and the Environment

Food is fundamental for sustaining human health by providing essential energy and nutrients. However, the large-scale production, processing, and transportation of food have led to increased pollution, higher carbon footprints, and compromised health.

Diets high in processed foods, saturated fats, and meat from ruminant animals like cattle and sheep significantly elevate greenhouse gas emissions—up to 20–100 times more than plant-based foods. These diets are also linked to adverse health effects such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Conversely, diets emphasizing plant-based foods, moderate consumption of non-ruminant animal products (like chicken, pork, and fish), and minimally processed foods tend to reduce both environmental impact and health risks.

Patterns like the Mediterranean, vegan, and climatarian diets focus on whole foods and sustainable practices, leading to lower carbon footprints.

A "flexitarian" diet embodies this balance by providing appropriate calorie levels, diverse plant-based nutrition, and limited animal-sourced and highly processed foods, supporting both human health and environmental sustainability.

Want to Learn More?

CLICK HERE to learn more about Food and Environmental Choices, health consequences, etc.