Researchers have pointed to the benefits of plant-based foods for kidney health

A diet dominated by plant–based foods and limited added sugars and fats, consistent with the EAT-Lancet planetary diet, can reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). This was reported by Medical Xpress magazine on January 26.

Currently, CKD affects about 10% of the adult population worldwide. According to forecasts, by 2040, the disease will become the fifth leading cause of death.

The study included 179,508 people aged 40 to 69 years from England, Scotland and Wales. During the analysis, participants filled out nutrition questionnaires, and the average follow-up period was 12 years, during which 4,819 people (2.7%) developed the disease. According to the publication, the results highlight the potential of the EAT–Lancet diet as an effective strategy for preventing chronic kidney disease.

"Stricter adherence to the EAT–Lancet diet, aimed at improving the health of the planet, was significantly associated with a reduced risk of developing chronic kidney disease. This protective link was especially evident among people with low access to green spaces in their places of residence and with certain genetic variants," according to a study co—authored by Dr. Xianhui Qin, Nanfang Hospital and Guangzhou Southern Medical University.

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Despite the popularity of various plant–based diets, including DASH or the alternative Mediterranean diet, the EAT-Lancet diet was developed taking into account not only human health, but also environmental sustainability. It focuses on fruits, vegetables, and legumes, allows moderate consumption of meat and dairy products, and strictly limits added sugars and fats.

The authors claim that a common element of all "healthy" diets is a high intake of vegetables, fruits and nuts and a reduction in red meat, factors previously associated with a lower risk of chronic kidney disease. However, a distinctive feature of the EAT–Lancet diet is a clear restriction of sugars and fats. This can further reduce the load on the kidneys by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

On December 15, 2025, Science Daily magazine reported on the effects of plant-based foods on heart health. According to the publication, plant-based products with minimal industrial processing help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, while ultra-processed products, on the contrary, can reverse this effect and increase the risk by 40%.

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