Experts Urge Minimal Meat for Healthier, Sustainable Diets

Experts Urge Minimal Meat for Healthier, Sustainable Diets

International health experts on Friday reaffirmed that a healthy diet should keep meat consumption to a minimum, reinforcing findings previously dismissed by parts of the food industry.

According to the latest report, a nutritious diet should be "predominantly plant-based, with moderate inclusion of animal-sourced foods and minimal consumption of added sugars, saturated fats, and salt."

The study updates a 2019 report that faced pushback from agri-food groups worldwide, who criticized its recommendations as exaggerated, unsafe, or incompatible with local eating habits. Despite this, the scientific community welcomed the findings, while noting challenges such as social inequalities that limit access to healthy food.

The updated "planetary health diet" focuses on both environmental sustainability and individual well-being. Experts used the latest research, confirming most recommendations remain consistent with the 2019 guidelines.

Specifically, daily intake of beef, pork, and lamb should be limited to 15 grams, slightly above the previous 14 grams. Meanwhile, individuals should aim for 200 grams of vegetables, 300 grams of fruits, and 210 grams of grains per day. Dairy should make up 250 grams, and fish, seafood, or white meat 30 grams.

Researchers highlighted that this diet is linked to "improved health outcomes, significant reductions in overall mortality, and a marked decline in major diet-related chronic diseases."