Scientists from Tulane University in the US found that replacing beef with chicken and drinking plant-based milk instead of cow’s milk improves nutritional quality and significantly reduces the carbon footprint of food production. Research results published In Nature Food magazine.
During the study, researchers analyzed dietary data from more than 7,700 Americans. They identified the products with the largest carbon footprints, namely the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere during their production and transportation. Carbon dioxide’s ability to retain heat raises the average temperature of the Earth’s surface. This leads to climate change, drought, fires and other natural disasters.
Scientists estimate that switching from beef to poultry and drinking plant-based milk instead of cow’s milk can reduce the carbon footprint of food by 35% and improve diet quality by 4-10%.
The authors of the study noted that the principles of rational and healthy eating are largely the same. Chicken, in particular, contains less saturated fat and cholesterol than beef, and plant-based milk is more suitable for adults with lactose intolerance and allergies to animal milk.
Previously was named Dangerous lack of vegan dairy products.