Planet-friendly diet could reduce risk of disease death by a quarter – research

Scientists found sustainable foods can help people live longer and protect the planet (Anthony Devlin/PA)

Eating foods that are more planet friendly may also help reduce a person’s risk of death from cancer, heart disease and other chronic illnesses by 25%, researchers have said.

Scientists found those who followed a more sustainable diet – which involved eating more plant-based foods such as whole grains, fruit, vegetables and nuts – were less likely to die over the course of three decades compared with those who ate less environmentally friendly meals.