If you’ve never considered eating algae, we guarantee you will now.
Consider the graph below.
), but the knowledge will help inform your food choices.
Photo: Emma Darvick
There is one very clear takeaway, though: Food that is sustainable is also incredibly nutritious.
Your own health and the health of the planet go hand-in-hand.
Better choice:Swap beef forbison meat.
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Unfortunately, however, any fish can contain mercury because they’re all affected by industrial pollution.
The larger the fish, the higher the potential mercury content.
Chan School of Public Health and senior author of the study.
Grilled Whole Fish.Kadir Barcin/Getty Images
Better choice:Opt for fair-trade dark chocolate.
Produce Grown Internationally
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Fresh produce is about as healthy as it gets.
That said, fresh produce isn’t always so healthy for the planet.
Cubed Cheese.Image Source/Getty Images
Many of your favorite fruits and veggies traveled long distances to get to your local grocery store.
For one, these perishable items are typically air-freighted by airplane.
While great for maintaining freshness, this is problematic in regards to global warming.
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In terms of health, research has shown thatcoffee is quite good for you.
Better choice:Opt for fair trade coffee.
Why is it so ubiquitous?
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Compared to other vegetable oils, it yields a bigger crop, and it’s less expensive to produce.
Burning forests also emit smoke and carbon dioxide, which are harmful for both the planet and its people.
The plantations also contribute to soil and water pollution.
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Silt, fertilizers, and other byproducts pollute freshwater ecosystems.
And the sugar cane plant requires a lot of wateran estimated 9 gallons for every teaspoon.
Better choice:Look forfair-tradesugar orproducts certified by Bonsucro,a global organization focused on sustainable sugarcane production.
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Plus it requires no pesticides or fertilizers.
Adding a handful of greens can help transform any recipe into a delicious and nutritious meal for the day.
Generally speaking, plant-based products emit 10 to 50 times fewer emissions compared to animal-based products.
Sugar, cube sugar, icing sugar, crystal sugar, granulated sugar, rock sugar, cane sugar, brown sugar, muscovado sugar, demerara sugar.Maximilian Stock Ltd. / Getty Images
Chestnuts, peanuts, and hazelnuts also have a lower water footprint, according to theHEALabel Ethical Consumer Guide.
They’re also high in fiber, low in calories, and packed with antioxidants.
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Africa Studio/Shutterstock
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Ina Peters / Stocksy United
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Mix of Mushrooms.James Tse/Getty Images
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Cereal grains historically made up the majority of concentrate horse feeds.
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Carrots at Market.Photo © Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images
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NoDerog / Getty Images
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