Plant-Based Diets: The Prescription for a Healthier Planet

People often turn to plant-based eating for health or ethical reasons — but experts now say it could also be a powerful prescription against climate change and infectious diseases (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Plant-Based Diets and Climate Change, A Perspective for Infectious Disease Providers

Go to source).

A landmark review published in the journal Open Forum Infectious Diseases highlights how animal agriculture contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and antibiotic resistance, while plant-based diets offer a sustainable, science-backed solution to both environmental and health crises.

The Climate–Infection Connection

Animal agriculture is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases worldwide. Nearly half of global methane emissions come from livestock, especially cattle. Deforestation for grazing and animal feed also leads to biodiversity loss and creates ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes and other disease vectors.

“Deforestation and ecosystem disruption heighten the risk of zoonotic spillover,” experts warn — referring to infections that jump from animals to humans, such as malaria, dengue, and even emerging pandemics.

Between 2001 and 2015, cattle farming alone caused twice as much forest loss as all other agricultural activities combined. Yet, meat consumption is projected to rise by 76% by 2050, making the problem even more urgent.

Antibiotic Resistance: The Hidden Epidemic

The World Health Organization identifies antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the top global health threats. The review notes that the majority of antibiotics sold in the U.S. are used in livestock farming — not human medicine.

When excreted, these antibiotics contaminate soil, water, and crops, accelerating the spread of resistant bacteria that can infect humans.

Reducing meat and dairy demand could drastically lower antibiotic use in agriculture, limiting the spread of superbugs. While some countries have restricted antibiotic use in animals, progress remains inconsistent across the globe.

Plant Power: Health and Immunity Benefits

Plant-based diets don’t just help the planet — they also protect people. Studies consistently link these diets with lower risks of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and early death.

Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, plant-based foods boost immunity and fight inflammation — key defenses against both chronic and infectious diseases.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, health care workers following plant-based or pescatarian diets had up to 73% lower odds of severe infection. Similarly, hospitalized patients who ate more fruits and vegetables showed faster recovery and shorter stays.

People with chronic viral infections such as HIV or hepatitis C may also gain anti-inflammatory benefits from plant-based nutrition, aligning with current American Heart Association guidelines.

Barriers and Breakthroughs in Adoption

Despite its promise, plant-based eating remains underused. Cultural habits, lack of access, and limited nutrition training among clinicians hinder adoption.

However, health systems are leading change — New York City’s largest hospital network recently made plant-based meals the default, cutting food-related emissions by 36% while saving costs.

Interestingly, plant-based diets can be 22–34% cheaper than average diets in high-income countries. Growing public demand, urban farming, and policy reforms could make them even more affordable worldwide.

The review concludes that even a 25% reduction in meat consumption could lower U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 1% annually — a measurable climate benefit.

“Healthcare providers must recognize diet as a clinical tool,” the authors emphasize, urging infectious disease specialists to advocate for plant-based eating in patient care and public policy.

Transitioning to plant-based diets, they argue, is a simple, evidence-based step to protect both population health and the planet — ensuring sustainability for generations to come.

Reference:

1. Plant-Based Diets and Climate Change, A Perspective for Infectious Disease Providers - (https://academic.oup.com/ofid/article/12/10/ofaf222/8109731?login=false)

Source-Medindia