UAE consumption of red meat is 6.5 times higher than the recommended amount
The 2015 Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED) Report "Sustainable Consumption for Better Resource Management" discusses how changing patterns of consumption can help preserve resources and protect the environment.
There are limits to what our ecosystem can provide and changing consumption habits requires efforts from all of us.
Below are key findings from the report.
1) Reducing red meat consumption in the Arab region by only 25% would save about 27 billion cubic meters of water. It takes 16 cubic meters of water to produce 1kg red meat.
2) 84% of the Arab public said they would accept changing some aspects of their dietary habits, including reducing red meat consumption, to help preserve resources and protect the environment. With 99% of respondents saying they would make changes for better health.
3) Protective foods reviewed in this report include vegetables and beans, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
a) Recommended consumption of vegetables and beans is 400g per day (per person). Actual consumption is around 250g per day.
Action required: Increase intake
b) Recommended consumption of fruits is 300g per day (per person).
Actual consumption is around 160g per day.
Action required: Increase intake
c) Recommended consumption of whole grains is 125g per day (per person).
Actual consumption is around 20g per day.
Action required: Increase intake
d) Recommended consumption of nuts and seeds is 16g per day (per person).
Actual consumption is around 13g per day.
Action required: Increase intake
4) Harmful food components reviewed in this report include processed meat, red meat and trans fatty acids (found in many fast food products).
a) Recommended consumption of processed meat is 0g per day (per person).
Actual consumption is 6.5g per day.
The UAE has the highest intake in the Arab region.
Action required: Reduce intake
b) Recommended consumption of red meat is 100g per week (per person)
Actual consumption is 650g per week.
The UAE has the second highest intake in the Arab region.
Action required: Reduce intake
c) Recommended consumption of trans fatty acids is below 0.5% energy per day (per person).
Actual consumption is around 1.2% per day.
Action required: Reduce intake
The Arab population is experiencing a dramatic shift away from its traditional, diverse and plant based diet towards a diet high in refined cereals, fats, sugars and animal protein. This has contributed significantly to the increase in diet-related disease including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancers.
The chapter within this report concludes that every country needs to take action for us to achieve more sustainable consumption habits.
We agree.
Supporting and participating in Meatfree Monday UAE is one of the easiest ways you can help protect the environment and your own health.
