What we eat plays an enormous role in our overall health and wellbeing. Not only this but certain foods have been shown to either lower or raise our risk of various health issues.

When it comes to our diets in the UK, one expert has revealed that making two changes could be hugely beneficial to both our health and the environment.

Diet guru Professor Tim Spector explained that slashing two major food groups from our diets can actually boost levels of essential minerals.

Speaking on Instagram, the professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College London and founder of the Zoe health app said that reducing our meat and dairy intake would have big benefits.

As reported by Wales Online, Prof Spector said a more plant-based diet can aid gut health, leading to a host of health perks like reduced inflammation, pain, and a lower risk of diabetes.

In a social media post, he said: “Good news. Eating well for the planet is also good for your health.

“A study of 33,000 Americans looking at the Planetary Health Diet Index showed that those people that ate sustainably didn’t have problems of nutrition deficit from potassium, iron levels or fibre.”

He added that there’s been a positive shift in dietary habits over the past two decades towards more planet-friendly eating.

“And the encouraging signs were actually there was a slight improvement over the 20 years in how people were eating for the planet,” he said.

“Now there’s a long way to go, but it meant that people were eating slightly less red meat and slightly more vegetables, legumes, mushrooms, et cetera.

“So it’s really important to realise that when you eat sustainably for the planet, you’re also eating well for your gut microbes and eating well for your general health.”

The planetary health diet index suggests a shift towards a diet dominated by whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, with meat and dairy taking a backseat.

Prof Spector continued: “Compared with current eating patterns, adopting this diet will require global consumption of red meat and sugar to decrease by 50 percent and double consumption of fruits, nuts, vegetables, and legumes.”

He added: “This planetary health diet is not only more sustainable for a food system to feed a growing population, expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, but as this research and our own research at ZOE shows, will also better support our health.”

If considering a more plant-based diet you should make sure you eat a varied, balanced diet to avoid deficiencies such as vitamin B12 and protein that can occur.

Experts at Harvard Health warned: “Plant-based diets offer all the necessary protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals for optimal health, and are often higher in fibre and phytonutrients.

“However, some vegans may need to add a supplement (specifically vitamin B12) to ensure they receive all the nutrients required.”