Impact of contrasting food sources on health versus environment

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to compare the impact of modern food production on human health with their impact on the sustainability of food production.

Design/methodology/approach

This review includes up‐to‐date information from the original literature on human nutrition as well as ecosystem ecology and presents findings in a manner accessible to both experts and non‐experts.

Findings

The evidence reviewed here indicates that modern livestock rearing and modern plant crop production both lead to adverse effects on not only human health but also on the sustainability of food production. It is concluded that different approaches are needed that increase the potential to produce healthful meat products as well as healthful plant crops – while simultaneously promoting sustainable food production and eliminating the need for pesticide use.

Practical implications

The studies reviewed suggest that the prevalence of chronic human diseases and disorders could be drastically lowered by adopting different approaches to food production, which would simultaneously protect continuing food production for human society.

Originality/value

This article provides accessible and comprehensive information to researchers, nutritionists, and consumers interested in human nutrition in its own right and in relationship to sustainable food production.

Citation

Adams, R.B. and Demmig‐Adams, B. (2013), "Impact of contrasting food sources on health versus environment", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 43 No. 3, pp. 228-235. https://doi.org/10.1108/00346651311327873