Hi Seafoodies!
We know our readers are health-minded and environmentally conscious. And some prefer to follow a keto or low-carb diet. But did you know that by eating seafood, you might also be following a low-carbon diet? Yep, research has shown that you can reduce your carbon footprint by adopting a Mediterranean-style diet, which emphasizes vegetables, legumes and lean protein like seafood in favor of red and processed meats. That means while we’re aiming to eat seafood two to three times a week to improve our personal health, we may also have a positive impact on our planet, as well!
As we celebrate Earth Day, it’s a good time to be thinking about carbon footprint and how individuals can make a difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While all food production has some environmental impact, seafood tends to have a smaller footprint because it doesn’t rely on agricultural land or livestock. In fact, the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) looked at the environmental impact of different food categories, including greenhouse gas emissions as well as land, energy and water use. The DGAC concluded that eating less meat and more seafood could make a “significant contribution” to increasing food sustainability, along with all the health benefits seafood provides.
The theme for this year’s Earth Day is “Invest in Our Planet.” Good news, Seafoodies—you already have a head start! So if you’re thinking about planting trees or going solar this year, consider going on a low-carbon diet, too, and incorporate more seafood into your weekly meal plan. It’s a win-win for your body and the planet!
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