How Some Small Dietary Changes Can Positively Affect Both Our Longevity and Carbon Footprint
If there was a change you could make to your diet that wouldn’t be too difficult and could positively improve your longevity and lower your carbon footprint would you do it?
Turns out there may be.
In some recent research conducted by McGill University, the researchers discovered “compelling evidence that partially substituting animal with plant protein foods can increase life expectancy and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.”
In this Booming Encore Learning Bites segment, Susan Williams speaks with Olivia Auclair, the author of this research about these findings and how people could possibly improve their longevity and reduce their carbon footprint through their diet.
Simply put, if someone was to replace 2 days out of 4 days of red meat or processed meat with plant based proteins, such as legumes, nuts, quinoa or tofu they not only could potentially increase their longevity, they could also reduce their carbon footprint by approximately 25%.
This research could have some far-reaching implications that could not only benefit our own health but also our planet.
Olivia also wanted to share that the research also discovered for an older demographic that they should also be aware of;
While changes to protein inadequacy stemming from our replacements were relatively minor, there is evidence to suggest that protein requirements may be greater for older adults who are most at risk of developing sarcopenia, a disease characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength.
Since the majority of Canadians' total protein intakes derive from animal protein foods (about two-thirds), and since animal products are considered high quality protein sources compared to plants, older adults should be mindful of the types and quantities of animal protein foods they may choose to swap with plant sources.
Also, females and older adults had the highest prevalence of calcium inadequacy. Since dairy products contribute more than half of Canadians' total intakes of calcium, replacing them with plant protein foods might further exacerbate calcium inadequacy for these vulnerable individuals.
So like any advice provided on the internet, it is important to understand your personal health situation and requirements and to discuss this with your healthcare provider before making any significant dietary changes.
