We know that our environment is “distressed”. We also know that we need to find alternative sustainable solutions to environmental issues. But what are those solutions that we, as ordinary citizens, can also contribute to?
One of the most important environmental issues is food shortages. At the same time that in Europe, regardless of the economic conditions of each country, we have the opportunity to enjoy our food and in fact with variety, in some parts of the world access to food is a challenge!
What needs to change? According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, global food production should increase by about 70% by 2050. Only then will food be available to all. To this end, food production must double, while at the same time we are called upon to deal with the rapid increase in population in combination with the reduction in per capita available land, available water and energy resources.
This will help the environment
According to the US Food and Agriculture Organization, animal husbandry for meat, eggs and milk produces 14.5% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, the second largest source of emissions and the first among all means of transport. in total. These statistics are also transmitted by the European Union.
Therefore, a vegetarian or vegetarian diet is more likely to produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, such as CO2, methane and nitric oxide. A diet that includes meat produces more greenhouse gases per kcal, per serving, but also per gram of protein [3]. For example, beef and lamb can produce emissions of about 250 times more protein per gram than protein. Similarly, 20 servings of vegetables produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than a portion of veal.
In addition, animal foods require more resources, such as water and land, than plant-based foods. By comparison, cows are the most energy-intensive animals, followed by pigs and poultry. Switching from a Western-style diet to more environmentally friendly eating habits, such as vegetarian diets, could reduce water consumption by 50% and the use of agricultural land and greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70%. !
So a vegetarian or vegetarian diet – regardless of the health benefits – means less meat, fewer greenhouse gas emissions, more love for the animals on our planet and less water and land consumption for everyone!
Plant proteins: The viable alternative
Most sources of plant protein, unlike animal protein, are lower in cholesterol and less saturated fat, while richer in fiber. More and more people are realizing that eating plant-based foods has many health benefits. In fact, in terms of sustainability, vegetarian or vegetarian diets are more beneficial for our planet.
Consuming protein of plant origin, such as pea or soy protein, is something that has already become widespread. More and more people in Western countries are constantly reducing meat consumption. In Europe, one in ten (9%) food items released in 2018 included claims of vegetarian ingredients or lack of ingredients of animal origin, almost double the corresponding 5% in 2015 [8].
In a time of challenges, where we need more health and a cleaner (in every way) environment, with food security being a key environmental issue, Herbalife Nutrition is committed to making a positive contribution through research, development and design of innovative food products. , but also the continuous improvements in the production and supply chain.
Herbalife Nutrition is the No. 1 brand in the world in meal replacements, according to Euromonitor. Its shares have been trading since 2004 on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HLF), with a turnover for 2018 of $ 4.9 billion, currently employing more than 8,300 employees worldwide, and owns privately held production facilities in USA, Europe and China. At the same time, it focuses on sustainable development, based on scientific studies and observing with its specialized scientific collaborators, both the nutritional needs of man and the needs of the environment.
A typical example of the above philosophy of Herbalife Nutrition is the new generation of Formula 1 beverages, which was created in response to the increased demand for a healthy diet and more nutrients. It offers flavor, quality, nutrients and plant ingredients while reducing calorie intake. In addition, it is suitable for those who follow a vegetarian diet, as it is prepared from vegan ingredients, while it does not contain gluten and artificial dyes. All this without compromising on taste and nutritional quality, providing proper nutrition, convenience and taste in an enjoyable drink.
References
[1.] Eurostat. Agri-environmental indicator – greenhouse gas emissions. 2017; Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Agri-environmental_indicator_-_greenhouse_gas_emissions.
[2.] Willett, W., et al., Food in the Anthropocene: the EAT-Lancet Commission on healthy diets from sustainable food systems. Lancet, 2019.
[3.] Scott, P., Global panel on agriculture and food systems for nutrition: Food systems and diets: Facing the challenges of the 21st century. 2017, Springer.
[4.] Tilman, D. and M. Clark, Global diets link environmental sustainability and human health. Nature, 2014. 515 (7528): p. 518.
[5.] de Vries, M. and I.J.J.L.s. de Boer, Comparing environmental impacts for livestock products: A review of life cycle assessments. 2010. 128(1-3): p. 1-11.
[6.] Aleksandrowicz, L., et al., The Impacts of Dietary Change on Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Land Use, Water Use, and Health: A Systematic Review. PloS one, 2016. 11(11): p. e0165797-e0165797.
[7.] The Vegan Society. Statistics. 2019[cited 2019 12 April]; Available from: https://www.vegansociety.com/news/media/statistics#worldwidestatistics.
[8.] Mintel. #Veganuary: UK overtakes Germany as world’s leader for vegan food launches. 2019 [cited 2019 11 April]; Available from: https://www.mintel.com/press-centre/food-and-drink/veganuary-uk-overtakes-germany-as-worlds-leader-for-vegan-food-launches.
[9.] “Source Euromonitor International Limited; per Consumer Health 2018ed, meal replacement and protein supplements definitions; combined % RSP share GBO, 2017 data.”
