Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Food for thought: Making the case for food produced via regenerative agriculture in the battle against non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs)

Davendra Ramkumar; Aileen Marty; Japhia Ramkumar; Holly Rosencranz; Radhika Vedantham; Modan Goldman; Erin Meyer; Jasia Steinmetz; Amy Weckle; Kelly Bloedorn; Carl Rosier

Elsevier BV · 2024

Read source ↗ All evidence

Summary

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a global health challenge, leading to substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic strain. Our review underscores the escalating incidence of NCDs worldwide and highlights the potential of regenerative agriculture (RA) products in mitigating these diseases. We also explore the efficacy of dietary interventions in NCD management and prevention, emphasizing the superiority of plant-based diets over those high in processed foods and red meat. Examining the role of the gut microbiome in various diseases, including liver disorders, allergies, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer, we find compelling evidence implicating its influence on disease development. Notably, dietary modifications can positively affect the gut microbiome, fostering a symbiotic relationship with the host and making this a critical strategy in disease prevention and treatment. Investigating agricultural practices, we identify parallels between soil/plant and human microbiome studies, suggesting a crucial link between soil health, plant- and animal-derived food quality, and human well-being. Conventional/Industrial agriculture (IA) practices, characterized in part by use of chemical inputs, have adverse effects on soil microbiome diversity, food quality, and ecosystems. In contrast, RA prioritizes soil health through natural processes, and includes avoiding synthetic inputs, crop rotation, and integrating livestock. Emerging evidence suggests that food from RA systems surpasses IA-produced food in quality and nutritional value. Recognizing the interconnection between human, plant, and soil microbiomes, promoting RA-produced foods emerges as a strategy to improve human health and environmental sustainability. By mitigating climate change impacts through carbon sequestration and water cycling, RA offers dual benefits for human and planetary health and well-being. Emphasizing the pivotal role of diet and agricultural practices in combating NCDs and addressing environmental concerns, the adoption of regional RA systems becomes imperative. Increasing RA integration into local food systems can enhance food quality, availability, and affordability while safeguarding human health and the planet's future.

Outcomes reported

Source report: Diets & Regenerative Agriculture: Can Regenerative Agriculture support food security and diet goals? (2025); Diets & Regenerative Agriculture (2025) File: Diets and Regenerative Agriculture.pdf Ref#: Diets and Regenerative Agriculture.pdf #36 Original: Ramkumar, D., Marty, A., Ramkumar, J., Rosencranz, H., Vedantham, R., Goldman, M., Meyer, E., Steinmetz, J., Weckle, A., Bloedorn, K., & Rosier, C. (2024). Food for thought: Making the case for food produced via regenerative agriculture in the battle against non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). One Health, 18, 100734. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ONEHLT.2024.100734

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Peer-reviewed research
Study type
Research
Source type
Peer-reviewed research
Status
Published
Geography
UK
DOI
10.1016/J.ONEHLT.2024.100734
Catalogue ID
IRmohfq8ok-f63c38
Pulse AI · ask about this record

Dig deeper with Pulse AI.

Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.