Health Experts Reinforce Guidelines for Reduced Meat Consumption

International health specialists have reaffirmed the importance of adopting a diet that emphasizes plant-based foods while significantly reducing the intake of meat products. This renewed emphasis comes after a 2025 report published in oth The Lancet highlights that maintaining a predominantly plant-based diet, with moderate amounts of animal-sourced foods and minimal consumption of sugars, saturated fats, and salt, is crucial for promoting health and sustainability.

The updated dietary recommendations build upon a 2019 study that initially suggested substantial reductions in meat consumption, advice that faced opposition from the food industry and related federations worldwide. Critics argued that the findings were exaggerated or not suitable for diverse cultural diets. However, the scientific community widely supported these guidelines, acknowledging their potential benefits despite recognizing challenges like social inequality affecting food access.

The revised 'planetary health diet' promotes limiting beef, pork, and lamb to approximately 15 grams daily—an increase from the previous recommendation of 14 grams—while encouraging daily consumption of 200 grams of vegetables, 300 grams of fruits, and 210 grams of grains. Dairy intake should be around 250 grams, with fish or seafood and white meats like poultry kept to 30 grams daily. These figures largely mirror those from earlier recommendations.

Research indicates that such dietary patterns are strongly associated with improved health outcomes, including significant reductions in overall mortality and decreased incidence of diet-related chronic diseases. Experts emphasize that adopting a diet centered on plant-based foods can lead to healthier lives and environmental benefits.

For further details, visit Medical Xpress.