Modern human diets pose risks to both health, environment: study

Amidst a wide array of food options, is the overall diet quality in Canada better than it was fifty years ago? A recent study by McGill University and the International Food Policy Research Institute indicates otherwise. It suggests that individuals dependent on Canada's food supply face shortages in healthier alternatives and contribute to disproportionate environmental degradation caused by agricultural and food distribution policies.

Just a few decades ago, meals for most people were simpler, often centered around home-cooked dishes with seasonal fruits and vegetables. However, with today's abundance of options and nutritional knowledge, one might expect diets to have improved. Surprisingly, dietary habits have worsened. Despite supermarkets offering a vast variety of foods and ample nutritional information, average diets remain unhealthy.

To understand this phenomenon, researchers from McGill University and the International Food Policy Research Institute conducted a groundbreaking study spanning nearly six decades. Their research delved into Canada's food supply, comparing it with dietary guidelines like the Canada Food Guide and the globally recognized EAT-Lancet recommendations. This extensive analysis highlights the critical link between a country's food production, consumption patterns, and their impact on both health and the environment.

Alarming impacts of imbalanced diets

“One of the study's most striking findings is the evident imbalance in the Canadian food supply. There's a conspicuous overabundance of red meat and sugar, products that have long been associated with various health issues when consumed in excess. Conversely, there's a notable deficiency in healthier alternatives like nuts, legumes, and vegetables,” says Vincent Abe-Inge, PhD student in McGill’s Department of Bioresource Engineering and lead author of the study.

Their objective was to comprehend the repercussions of shifts in food availability and consumption patterns on human health and the environment.

The results reveal a concerning disparity between the offerings within the food system and what is considered optimal nutrition for individuals and the planet alike.

The researchers are sounding the alarm regarding the environmental consequences associated with this discrepancy. Notably, the study emphasizes that while animal-based foods represent a smaller fraction of the total food supply, they contribute significantly to environmental harm.

This encompasses elevated greenhouse gas emissions, intensified water consumption, and increased land exploitation, emphasizing the critical necessity for adopting a more sustainable approach to food production and consumption.

Diet impact on environment

We often overlook the environmental impact of our dietary choices, but consuming a diet heavy in meat and animal products has consequences beyond individual health. While these foods make up a smaller portion of our overall food sources, they leave behind a disproportionately large environmental footprint.

The study conducted by researchers delved into the specific environmental costs associated with animal-based foods:

• Greenhouse gas emissions: Livestock production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gases, which play a major role in climate change.
• Water use: Raising animals for food requires substantial amounts of water for both the animals themselves and the crops grown to feed them, putting a strain on water resources.
• Land use: Animal agriculture requires vast areas of land, contributing to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. 

Essentially, our heavy reliance on animal-based foods exacts a higher toll on the planet than necessary to feed the population. Shifting towards more plant-based diets could significantly reduce these harmful environmental impacts.

The study emphasizes that the current state of the Canadian food supply chain has far-reaching implications for both human health and the environment. Excessive availability of red meat and sugar is correlated with rising incidences of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, while over-reliance on animal-based food production exacerbates climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion.

The researchers advocate for strategic measures to realign the food supply with dietary recommendations. This includes taxing unhealthy foods to discourage excessive consumption and investing in sustainable food production practices, particularly in plant-based foods. They hope these findings will prompt action from policymakers, stakeholders in the food industry, and consumers alike.

“There's an urgent need to adopt a holistic approach that not only prioritizes public health but also the health of our planet. By aligning food supply more closely with recommended dietary guidelines, Canada can pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future,” concludes Vincent Abe-Inge.