Are Canadians consuming better food? The researchers at McGill University and the International Food Policy Research Institute decided to study this. In simple words, the way we eat is hurting us and the planet, fueling several environmental issues.

Their recent paper unveiled that Canadians who rely on local food sources might be missing out on healthier options. Additionally, their food choices along with their farming and food distribution policies are also causing serious problems.

For over 60 years, researchers have been analyzing Canada’s food supply. They compared it against the Canada Food Guide and even the globally recognized EAT-Lancet dietary recommendations. This deep analysis brought an often overlooked factor of daily life into focus. It showed how what a country makes and eats affects the health of its citizens and the environment surrounding it.

Vincent Abe-Inge, a Ph.D. student in McGill’s Department of Bioresource Engineering and also the lead author of this study gave his insights on this dietary issue. He said, “One of the study’s most striking findings is the evident imbalance in the Canadian food supply. There’s a conspicuous overabundance of red meat and sugar, products that have long been associated with various health issues when consumed in excess. Conversely, there’s a notable deficiency in healthier alternatives like nuts, legumes, and vegetables.” 

Our Eating Habits Hurt Us and the Planet

The researchers have the following thoughts regarding the implications of imbalances in diets both in terms of human and environmental well-being-

  • From a health perspective, the Canadian food supply chain has deep rooted negative implications.
  • The country has more than enough availability and accessibility of sugar and red meat.
  • These two lead to increased cases of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
  • From the environmental perspective, though animal-based foods are only a small portion of our overall food supply, their impact is quite huge.
  • The over-dependence on their production worsens resource depletion, climate change, and biodiversity loss
  • It is also responsible for a greater degree of land exploitation, water usage, and even greenhouse gas emissions. 

On the whole, such improper diets are harming human bodies and the environment alike. This thus outlines how the world desperately needs a more sustainable way to produce as well as consume food.

Is there Any Solution?

The researchers shared ways to handle this issue. Vincent Abe-Inge said, “There’s an urgent need to adopt a holistic approach that not only prioritizes public health but also the health of our planet. By aligning food supply more closely with recommended dietary guidelines, Canada can pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future.”

  • The study wants us to make smart moves to match the food we eat with what’s healthy.
  • It implies we should tax unhealthy foods to stop people from consuming them too much.
  • Additionally, we should start investing in sustainable food production practices, particularly in foods that are plant-based.

The researchers want these findings to be a wake-up call for consumers, stakeholders in the food industry, and most importantly policymakers.

Source: Eating the way we do hurts us and the planet, study finds

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Elliot is a passionate environmentalist and blogger who has dedicated his life to spreading awareness about conservation, green energy, and renewable energy. With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference.

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