Study Reveals Two Plant-Based Diets Show Similar Impact in Longevity and Sustainability

Two plant-based diets were associated with similar survival benefits and low environmental impact, according to research presented today at European Society of Cardiology Preventive Cardiology 2025.

In the analysis, data on food intake were collected from 11,488 participants between June 2008 and October 2010. The Planetary Health Diet Index was calculated for each participant based on their consumption of 15 food groups: whole

grains, starchy vegetables, vegetables, whole fruits, dairy foods, red/processed meat, chicken and other poultry, eggs, fish/shellfish, nuts, non-soy legumes, soybean/soy foods, added saturated and trans-fat, added unsaturated oils, and added sugar and fruit juice. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet was assessed using the 14-item MEDAS score, which is based on components such as using olive oil for cooking and dressings, eating white meat and seafood over red meat, the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts, and low intake of high-fat dairy products, commercial baked goods and sugar-sweetened/carbonated beverages. Mortality data were obtained from the National Death Index of Spain.

Higher adherence to the Planetary Health Diet and Mediterranean Diet was similarly associated with lower all-cause mortality. Participants in the top third for adherence to the Planetary Health Diet had a 22% lower chance of dying than those in the lowest third. For the Mediterranean Diet, participants in the top third for adherence had a 21% lower chance of dying than those in the lowest third. Adherence to some components of the Planetary Health Diet (fruits, dairy and unsaturated oils) and the Mediterranean Diet (nuts, low consumption of soda and pastries) was independently associated with lower mortality. In terms of environmental impact, both diets had similarly low footprints. For the PHD, the average level of greenhouse gas emissions was 4.15 kg of CO2 per day and average level of land use was 5.54 m2 per daily food intake. The average level of greenhouse gas emissions for the Mediterranean Diet including dairy was 4.36 kg of CO2 per day and the average level of land use was 5.43 m2 per daily food intake.

Reference: https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Press-Office/Press-releases/Planetary-Health-Diet-and-Mediterranean-Diet-Associated-with-Similar-Survival-and-Sustainability-Benefits