Research showcased at ESC Preventive Cardiology 2025 reveals that adherence to two distinct plant-based diets offers comparable advantages in terms of longevity and ecological sustainability. The study underscores the significance of dietary optimization, suggesting that one in five premature deaths across Europe could be averted through improved eating habits. By analyzing data from over 11,000 participants, researchers compared the Planetary Health Diet (PHD) with the Mediterranean Diet, both emphasizing plant-based nutrition.

Results indicate that higher adherence to either diet correlates with reduced all-cause mortality rates. Additionally, these dietary patterns exhibit minimal environmental footprints, primarily attributed to their reliance on fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. This dual benefit—improved health outcomes alongside sustainable resource use—underscores the importance of adopting such nutritional strategies.

Comparative Analysis of PHD and Mediterranean Diet

The study evaluated adherence levels to the PHD and Mediterranean Diet using established indices, finding similar reductions in mortality risks among adherents. Participants demonstrating strong alignment with these diets showed a significant decrease in all-cause mortality. Furthermore, specific components within each diet were independently linked to lower mortality rates, highlighting the versatility and effectiveness of these nutritional approaches.

During the research, adherence to the PHD was gauged via an index ranging from 0 to 140 points, encompassing fifteen food categories. Similarly, the Mediterranean Diet's adherence was assessed using a fourteen-item score, focusing on elements like olive oil usage, fruit consumption, and limited intake of processed meats. Statistical analysis revealed that those in the upper tertile of adherence had a notably lower risk of death compared to their counterparts in the lower tertile. For instance, PHD adherents experienced a 22% reduction in mortality risk, paralleled by a 21% decrease for Mediterranean Diet followers. Components such as fruits, dairy, unsaturated oils in PHD, and nuts, low soda and pastry consumption in the Mediterranean Diet played crucial roles in mortality reduction.

Environmental Impact Assessment

Both dietary models exhibited comparably low environmental impacts, measured through greenhouse gas emissions and land utilization metrics. The study utilized the SHARP-Indicators Database to evaluate these aspects, revealing that both diets contributed minimally to ecological strain. Dairy and meat products emerged as the primary contributors to environmental footprints, yet overall levels remained modest.

For the PHD, average daily greenhouse gas emissions amounted to 4.15 kg of CO₂, while land use averaged 5.54 m² per daily food intake. In contrast, the Mediterranean Diet demonstrated slightly higher emissions at 4.36 kg of CO₂ and slightly lower land use at 5.43 m². These figures emphasize the potential for large-scale adoption of these diets to mitigate environmental degradation. Dr. Sotos Prieto concluded that enhanced adherence to either diet not only enhances individual health but also contributes significantly to planetary well-being, advocating for their widespread implementation as sustainable nutritional paradigms.