A study presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s Preventive Cardiology 2025 conference found that following plant-forward diets, such as the Planetary Health Diet and the Mediterranean Diet, can lead to a lower risk of mortality and have a smaller environmental impact. Researchers analyzed data from over 11,000 adults in Spain and discovered that those with the highest adherence to either diet were significantly less likely to die during the 14-year follow-up period. Both diets emphasize plant-based foods while limiting red meat, sugary drinks, and high-fat dairy, resulting in positive health outcomes and low ecological footprints.

The findings suggest that choosing plant-based diets not only benefits individual health but also supports environmental sustainability. Both the Planetary Health Diet and the Mediterranean Diet were associated with lower mortality rates and similar low environmental impacts, highlighting the potential of these dietary patterns to improve public health and reduce the carbon footprint. With the global interest in climate-friendly diets on the rise, these results provide compelling evidence that dietary choices can have a significant impact on both personal well-being and the health of the planet.