Veganism not the most environmentally friendly diet

THOSE who eschewed meat and dairy for ‘Veganuary’ may be shocked to learn that a plantbased diet is not necessarily the most environmentally friendly.

New research has found foods kindest to the planet are also the unhealthiest – because diets associated with lowest greenhouse gas emissions generally have a higher sugar and lower micronutrient content. Epidemiologist Nicole Darmon, of the French National Institute for Agricultural Research in Marseille, told a global International Dairy Federation meeting in Seville last week: ‘The most consumed, and cheapest, plant-based products have a low environmental impact but are not recommended for health. White bread, pasta, and refined cereals are plant-based products and they are also the main reason for malnutrition around the world. Oil, sugar and salt are also “plant-based” and they are the basis for making the worst food we have.’

She said eggs, small fish, and milk have a relatively low impact on the environment. Darmon’s research has also shown a positive correlation between the quantities of food eaten and resulting greenhouse gas emissions. ‘We need to waste less and eat less to have less impact on the environment. ‘Men eat more than women so they naturally have more of an impact on the environment,’ she said. Dr Mary Flynn, chief specialist in public health nutrition with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) told the Mail on Sunday, ‘They [vegans] are not eating meat and dairy, so their calcium is a major issue unless they are taking a calcium-fortified alternative.’ Veganism involves no consumption of animal products – so no meat, fish, poultry, dairy, eggs, and honey.