The keto and paleo diets, two of the trendiest eating plans in recent times, have sparked considerable interest for their low-carb, high-fat, and protein-rich approach.
But a thought-provoking study by Diego Rose et al., published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, delves into the broader implications of these diets, especially concerning nutritional quality and environmental impact.
The ketogenic diet, or keto for short, is designed to put the body into ketosis, a state where fat is the primary fuel instead of carbohydrates.
This is achieved by dramatically cutting carb intake to less than 50 grams daily, thereby excluding grains, sugar, and starchy vegetables. Instead, it leans heavily on high-fat foods like meats, fish, eggs, cheese, and certain oils.
On the other hand, the paleo diet, inspired by our prehistoric ancestors’ eating habits, shuns processed foods and grains. It favors a variety of whole foods, including meats, fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, while limiting carb sources such as bread and pasta.
Both diets have been hailed for potential health perks, yet concerns loom over their nutritional completeness and the strain they place on the environment.
The Tulane University study sheds light on these concerns, revealing that both keto and paleo diets rank low in nutritional quality and carry high carbon footprints. For instance, the keto diet generates almost 3 kg of CO2 per 1,000 calories consumed.
Contrastingly, plant-based diets like vegan and pescatarian show a more favorable balance, with lower carbon emissions and higher nutritional scores.
For example, the vegan diet produces only 0.7 kg of CO2 per 1,000 calories, and the pescatarian diet tops the chart in nutrition.
An interesting find is that if a third of omnivores switched to a vegetarian diet even for a day, it would be akin to eliminating the emissions from 340 million miles driven by passenger vehicles. This highlights the environmental advantage of plant-based diets.
Furthermore, a 2021 UN-backed study underscores the environmental toll of food systems, noting that they account for 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Notably, beef production is particularly emissions-intensive, far surpassing that of chicken, nuts, and legumes.
While the keto and paleo diets offer potential health benefits, they’re not without challenges. They can be hard to maintain, pose risks of nutrient deficiencies, and their heavy reliance on animal products raises concerns about environmental sustainability.
Choosing to follow the keto diet should be a carefully considered decision, keeping in mind personal health goals and preferences.
It’s particularly relevant for conditions like epilepsy and type 2 diabetes but may not suit everyone, especially those fond of carb-rich foods or at risk of heart disease.
In summary, the study by Diego Rose and colleagues invites us to weigh the health benefits of diets like keto and paleo against their broader environmental impact, nudging us towards more sustainable and nutritionally balanced eating habits.
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