Author(s): Jyoti Gangwar and Hemlata Pandey

Abstract:
The growing challenges of climate change, environmental harm, and public health crises highlight the critical importance of adopting sustainable eating habits. Sustainable diets give an integrated solution to these interrelated problems because of their minimal environmental impact, nutritional sufficiency, cultural acceptability, and economic equity. In order to investigate the advantages of public understanding and consciousness of sustainable diets, this review synthesizes the body of available literature. Healthier dietary choices, such as eating more foods made from plants and having fewer processed foods, are associated with greater awareness of sustainable diets. These dietary shifts are connected to a lower likelihood of developing chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. On the environmental side, choosing food wisely can greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and land degradation, helping to address climate change. Socio-economically, knowledge of sustainable diets empowers individuals and communities to make food choices that support local economies and promote food security. However, barriers such as cultural preferences, limited access to education, and economic constraints hinder the widespread adoption of sustainable dietary practices. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive strategies, including public health campaigns, policy interventions, and community engagement initiatives. In conclusion, enhancing public knowledge of sustainable diets is pivotal for advancing health, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic well-being. Future efforts should focus on overcoming dissemination barriers to facilitate the widespread adoption of sustainable dietary practices.