Rethinking Our Roots: The Ground-Up Approach to Heart Health & Planetary Sustainability.

Ali Saad, Kamil F Faridi, Monica Aggarwal, Andrew M Freeman, Eric J Brandt, Sohum Sheth, Jeremy W Paster, Verity Ramirez

Journal: The American journal of medicine 2025;138(2):196-203

PMID: 39383927

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Poor dietary habits are not only a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other chronic illnesses, but they also harm planetary health. Our food system is complex, shaped by agricultural practices and human behaviors. To change it, we need to understand why current agricultural practices exist and address nutrition education, food insecurity, and nutritional security. There are effective ways to make our food system healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable. The best available evidence points to plant-forward diets as the keystone to this complex issue. This manuscript reviews how human and planetary health are connected through our food system and suggests solutions for diets that prevent and treat cardiovascular disease while promoting planetary health.

Address: Climate and Health Program, University of Colorado, Denver, CO.; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.; Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.; Independent researcher.; College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO.; Division of Cardiology, Brown University, Providence, RI.; Division of Cardiology, University of Florida, Gainesville; Cardiologist, Advent Health, Orlando, FL; CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, 4Roots Farm, Orlando, FL. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.09.028

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MeSH Terms: Humans, Cardiovascular Diseases, Agriculture, Food Supply, Food Insecurity, Global Health, Diet