Sat | Oct 11, 2025
Stranger than Fiction

A diet rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains could prevent 15 million deaths every year

Published:Thursday | October 9, 2025 | 5:28 AMBANG Bizarre

Researchers claim that the so-called planetary health diet, set out in a new report from the 2025 Eat-Lancet Commission, is linked to a 27 per cent reduced risk of premature death and lower rates of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions.


The diet emphasises whole grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts and legumes, while limiting red meat, processed foods and added sugars.


It allows modest portions of fish, poultry, dairy and eggs. Researchers said such a shift would not only extend life but also ease pressure on the planet by cutting greenhouse gas emissions, water use and demand for land.


Dr Helen Croker, assistant director of research and policy at the World Cancer Research Fund, said: "The planetary health diet set out in this report is associated with improved health outcomes – and research that we have funded also supports such a diet for people after a cancer diagnosis."
Commission co-chair Johan Rockstrom added that transforming food systems was essential: "How we produce and consume food affects the air we breathe, the water we drink, the soil that grows our crops, and the health and dignity of workers and communities."

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