Diets for Dual Cardiovascular and Planetary Health: A Scoping Review

Most observational studies quantify the relationship between diet, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and environmental impacts independently, resulting in a fragmented understanding of sustainable diets. This review summarizes findings from observational studies assessing eating patterns and their simultaneous associations with environmental and CVD outcomes.

Plant-based diets, primarily those low in red meat, added sugars, and sodium, are associated with lower CVD risks. Environmental studies suggest that whole-food diets low in animal proteins typically have a lesser impact on greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) and land use than diets high in animal proteins; however, they may increase water use. Predominantly plant-based diets were consistently associated with lower cardiovascular risk and reduced environmental impacts, though trade-offs were observed between healthiness and environmental sustainability, as well as across different environmental indicators. Further research is needed to determine how dietary patterns, cardiovascular health, and environmental outcomes align.