One Health Explained: How Human, Animal & Environmental Health Are Connected

When we think about health, we often focus on ourselves—our diet, exercise, sleep and medical care.

But our health doesn't exist in isolation.

The food we eat, the way it's produced, the health of animals, the condition of our soils and waterways, and the resilience of our food systems are all interconnected. Together, they influence not only our own wellbeing but also the health of communities and the environment.

This interconnected way of thinking is known as One Health.

Although the term is relatively new, the idea behind it is not.

For generations, farmers, Indigenous communities, public health professionals and traditional food cultures have understood that healthy people depend on healthy animals, healthy ecosystems and sustainable food production.

Today, One Health is gaining global recognition as governments, healthcare professionals and researchers work together to address complex challenges such as chronic disease, food security, antimicrobial resistance, climate change and environmental degradation.

One of the most important—but often overlooked—parts of this conversation is nutrition.

Every day, the foods we choose connect human health with agriculture, biodiversity, food production and the environment.

Rather than viewing nutrition simply as calories or individual nutrients, One Health encourages us to see food as part of a much bigger system.

Related reading: Learn how everyday food choices influence both personal and planetary wellbeing in Food Is More Than Nutrition | Health, Communities & the Planet

What Is One Health?

One Health is an internationally recognised approach that acknowledges the close relationship between:

Human health
Animal health
Environmental health

Rather than treating these areas separately, One Health recognises that they continuously influence one another.

For example:

Healthy soils help produce nutritious crops.

Healthy ecosystems support biodiversity and food production.

Healthy animals contribute to safe and reliable food systems.

Nutritious food supports healthy people and communities.

Each part depends on the others.

This systems-based approach encourages collaboration between many different professions, including:

Nutrition and dietetics
Medicine
Veterinary science
Public health
Agriculture
Environmental science
Food production
Government and policy

Each discipline contributes its own expertise while recognising that many health challenges are interconnected.

Why One Health Matters Today

The world is facing increasingly complex health challenges.

These include:

Rising rates of chronic disease
Food insecurity
Environmental degradation
Climate change
Biodiversity loss
Population growth
Pressure on food production systems

No single profession can solve these issues alone.

Instead, they require collaboration across health, agriculture, science, education and public policy.

One Health provides a framework for understanding these connections.

It reminds us that improving human health isn't simply about treating illness—it also involves creating healthier food systems, protecting natural resources and supporting resilient communities.

Nutrition Is the Missing Link

Nutrition sits at the centre of One Health.

Food connects every part of the system.

The meals we prepare each day begin with:

Healthy soils
Clean water
Farmers and food producers
Plants and animals
Manufacturing and transport
Retailers
Home kitchens

Eventually, those foods become the nutrients that support our own bodies.

This means nutrition naturally bridges human health, agriculture and environmental sustainability.

Increasingly, researchers are recognising that nutrition professionals have always contributed to One Health—even if they haven't described their work using that term.

When dietitians help people build balanced eating patterns, improve food security, reduce nutrition-related disease or encourage sustainable dietary habits, they are supporting outcomes that extend well beyond individual health.

Nutrition isn't separate from One Health.

It is one of its strongest foundations.

Food Connects People, Animals and the Environment

Every meal represents a remarkable chain of connections.

Food begins with healthy ecosystems capable of producing crops and supporting livestock.

Farmers rely on healthy soils, clean water, biodiversity and sustainable farming practices.

Food manufacturers transform raw ingredients into products that reach retailers and consumers.

Families then prepare meals that nourish growth, learning, work, physical activity and healthy ageing.

This interconnected journey demonstrates why food is much more than nutrition alone.

Food supports:

Human health
Community wellbeing
Animal agriculture
Rural economies
Environmental stewardship
Cultural traditions
Food security

One Health encourages us to recognise these relationships rather than viewing each part separately.

Dietitians Have Always Contributed to One Health

One of the most interesting developments in recent nutrition research is the recognition that dietitians already practice many One Health principles every day.

Dietitians routinely help people:

Build balanced dietary patterns.
Improve nutrition quality.
Support healthy growth and ageing.
Reduce food insecurity.
Promote whole-food eating patterns.
Develop community nutrition programs.
Contribute to public health policy.

Many also encourage practical habits such as:

Eating more vegetables.
Reducing food waste.
Cooking at home.
Choosing minimally processed foods.
Supporting healthy dietary patterns.

These actions benefit individual health while also contributing to broader food system outcomes.

Importantly, this doesn't require expanding the profession's role.

Rather, it recognises that nutrition already contributes to healthier people, healthier communities and healthier food systems.

One Health Starts With Everyday Choices

While One Health often appears in scientific discussions and public policy, its principles can also be applied in everyday life.

Simple habits such as:

Preparing meals at home.
Choosing a variety of whole foods.
Including quality protein.
Reducing food waste.
Supporting Australian food producers where practical.
Enjoying seasonal produce.

all contribute to healthier eating patterns while supporting broader food systems.

These small actions may seem simple, but when adopted across communities they can have meaningful impacts over time.

One Health reminds us that every meal connects us to something much bigger than ourselves.

Food Systems Shape Human Health

Every meal begins long before food reaches our plate.

It starts with farmers, healthy soils, clean water, plants, animals, food manufacturers, transport networks, retailers and home kitchens.

Together, these make up our food system.

A healthy food system helps provide safe, nutritious and accessible food for communities while supporting responsible use of natural resources.

When food systems function well, they contribute to:

Better nutrition
Food security
Thriving rural communities
Sustainable agriculture
Economic resilience
Public health

When food systems face challenges—such as drought, natural disasters, disease outbreaks or supply chain disruptions—our access to nutritious food can also be affected.

One Health encourages us to recognise that strengthening food systems ultimately supports healthier people.

Related reading: Learn more in Food Systems, Gut Health & Long-Term Wellbeing: Why the Foods We Choose Matter

Sustainable Dietary Patterns Support Multiple Outcomes

Healthy eating isn't only about meeting our own nutritional needs.

Balanced dietary patterns can also support broader goals such as reducing food waste, encouraging dietary diversity and making thoughtful use of available ingredients.

This is one reason many nutrition professionals recommend focusing on dietary patterns rather than individual foods.

Characteristics shared by many sustainable dietary patterns include:

Plenty of vegetables and fruit.
Whole grains.
Legumes.
Quality protein.
Healthy fats.
Seasonal ingredients where practical.
Home cooking.
Dietary variety.
Flexibility rather than restriction.

These eating patterns support human health while also encouraging practical, long-term habits that are realistic for families.

Continue reading: Protein, Satiety & Sustainable Nutrition

Traditional Food Wisdom Aligns With One Health

Long before the term One Health was introduced, many traditional food cultures already reflected its principles.

Across Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe and Australia, meals were commonly built around:

Seasonal produce
Whole foods
Shared family meals
Home cooking
Variety
Minimal food waste

Ingredients were valued.

Meals were prepared from scratch.

Bones became nourishing broths.

Vegetable scraps became soups.

Leftovers became tomorrow's lunch.

These practices weren't developed because they were fashionable.

They were practical, economical and respectful of food.

Today, many of these same principles continue to support balanced nutrition while making thoughtful use of available resources.

Nutrition Supports Both Personal and Planetary Health

Nutrition is unique because it influences health at multiple levels.

Healthy food choices contribute to:

Individual health

Balanced eating patterns help provide the nutrients needed to support normal growth, development, muscle maintenance, immune function and overall wellbeing.

Community health

Nutritious food supports healthier families, schools, workplaces and communities.

Food systems

Thoughtful food choices encourage dietary diversity, reduce unnecessary waste and support resilient food production.

Environmental stewardship

Reducing food waste, preparing meals at home and making the most of ingredients all contribute to using food resources more efficiently.

These outcomes illustrate why nutrition is increasingly recognised as a key component of the One Health approach.

Food Waste Is a One Health Issue

One Health isn't only about what we eat.

It's also about how we value food.

Globally, large amounts of edible food are wasted every year.

Reducing household food waste benefits:

Families
Household budgets
Food security
Resource efficiency
The broader food system

Simple habits can make a meaningful difference.

For example:

Planning meals before shopping.
Buying only what you'll use.
Freezing leftovers.
Using surplus vegetables in soups.
Repurposing cooked meats into new meals.
Preparing stocks and broths from suitable ingredients.

These practices reflect generations of traditional food wisdom while supporting modern sustainability goals.

Bone broth is one example of this philosophy—transforming ingredients into a versatile foundation for soups, stews, sauces and casseroles.

Quality Protein Is Part of Balanced Nutrition

Protein remains an essential component of healthy eating throughout life.

It contributes to:

Growth and development
Muscle maintenance
Tissue repair
Bone health
Normal immune function
Satiety after meals

One Health doesn't suggest eliminating entire food groups.

Instead, it encourages balanced dietary patterns that meet nutritional requirements while supporting sustainable food systems.

Quality protein foods may include:

Fish
Eggs
Dairy foods
Legumes
Tofu
Nuts and seeds
Lean meats
Bone broth as part of balanced meals

The emphasis is on variety, balance and choosing foods that suit individual needs, cultural traditions and personal preferences.

Continue reading: Protein Throughout Life: Why Your Protein Needs Change With Age

One Health Begins in the Kitchen

One Health may sound like a global framework, but many of its principles begin at home.

Everyday choices such as:

Cooking more meals from scratch.
Including plenty of vegetables.
Choosing quality protein.
Trying seasonal produce.
Reducing food waste.
Sharing meals with family.
Using nourishing ingredients such as bone broth in everyday cooking.

all contribute to healthier eating habits.

When millions of households make small improvements, those choices collectively strengthen communities and support healthier food systems.

One Health reminds us that healthy eating isn't only about ourselves.

It's also about recognising the connections between people, food and the environment.

Gut Health Is Part of the Bigger Picture

One of the most exciting developments in modern nutrition science is our growing understanding of the gut microbiome.

Trillions of microorganisms live within the digestive tract, forming a complex ecosystem that plays an important role in digestion, nutrient metabolism, normal immune function and the gut-brain axis.

While the microbiome exists within each of us, it is also influenced by the wider food system.

The foods that reach our plates—the vegetables, grains, legumes, fruit and quality protein we eat—begin their journey in healthy soils, productive farms and resilient food systems.

This illustrates one of the core ideas behind One Health: our health is connected to the health of the systems that produce our food.

Rather than focusing on individual nutrients or supplements, One Health encourages us to look at the complete journey from farm to plate and from plate to wellbeing.

Related reading: Learn more in Food Systems, Gut Health & Long-Term Wellbeing: Why the Foods We Choose Matter

Dietary Diversity Benefits Both People and Food Systems

One Health recognises that diversity matters—not only in nature but also on our plates.

Eating a wide variety of foods helps provide a broad range of nutrients while supporting balanced dietary patterns.

Aim to regularly include:

Colourful vegetables
Seasonal fruit
Whole grains
Legumes
Nuts and seeds
Herbs and spices
Quality protein foods

Different foods contribute different nutrients, making dietary variety one of the simplest ways to improve overall nutrition.

Many traditional cuisines naturally embrace this approach.

Meals often combine numerous ingredients into soups, stews, stir-fries and shared family dishes that provide both variety and enjoyment.

Rather than searching for one "perfect" food, focus on creating meals that include many nourishing ingredients.

Continue reading: The Gut Ecosystem: Why No Single Food or Supplement Can Do It All

Healthy Ageing Is Connected to Nutrition Throughout Life

One Health is often discussed in relation to future generations.

The same principle applies to healthy ageing.

The eating habits we establish today contribute to our health tomorrow.

Throughout adulthood and into later life, balanced nutrition supports:

Muscle maintenance
Bone health
Physical function
Independence
Overall wellbeing

Protein plays an especially important role because maintaining muscle naturally becomes more challenging as we age.

Including quality protein regularly throughout the day, alongside resistance exercise and a balanced diet, supports healthy ageing.

This isn't simply about living longer.

It's about maintaining quality of life.

If you're interested in preserving muscle while managing body weight, you may also enjoy: Gut Health & Healthy Ageing: How the Microbiome Influences Longevity

Traditional Foods Continue to Support Modern Health

One of the most fascinating aspects of One Health is that many traditional food cultures have reflected its principles for centuries.

Meals were typically built around:

Whole foods
Seasonal ingredients
Home cooking
Dietary variety
Family meals
Minimal food waste

Bone broth is one example.

Across Asia, Europe and many other regions, slow-simmered broths have long served as the foundation for soups, sauces and nourishing family meals.

Today, these traditions continue to provide practical inspiration for balanced eating.

Modern convenience doesn't have to replace traditional food wisdom—it can help us apply these principles more easily in busy lives.

Explore the Broth & Co Range Bone Broth, Collagen & Functional Nutrition

Healthy Communities Begin With Healthy Food

Nutrition influences more than individual health.

Healthy eating supports:

Schools
Families
Workplaces
Sporting communities
Aged care
Hospitals
Community organisations

Access to safe, nutritious food contributes to healthier populations and stronger communities.

This is why nutrition professionals work in so many different settings—from hospitals and private practice to schools, research, public health and food policy.

One Health recognises that improving nutrition isn't simply about helping one person.

It's about creating environments where healthy food is accessible, enjoyable and valued by everyone.

Small Choices Create Lasting Change

One Health may seem like a global concept, but its principles are reflected in everyday decisions.

Simple actions include:

Cooking more meals at home.
Choosing a wider variety of vegetables.
Including quality protein at meals.
Reducing household food waste.
Buying seasonal produce where practical.
Supporting Australian food producers.
Sharing meals with family and friends.
Using nourishing ingredients such as bone broth in everyday recipes.

None of these habits need to be perfect.

Over time, they help build healthier dietary patterns that support both personal wellbeing and stronger food systems.

Looking Beyond Individual Foods

Perhaps the greatest lesson One Health offers is that nutrition should never be reduced to one food, one nutrient or one dietary trend.

Health is influenced by patterns.

Those patterns are shaped by the foods we choose, the way we cook, the communities we live in and the food systems that make those choices possible.

When we step back and view nutrition through this broader lens, healthy eating becomes less about restriction and more about connection.

Connection to our food.

Connection to our communities.

Connection to the environment.

And ultimately, connection to our own long-term wellbeing.

Explore our collection of nourishing recipes using bone broth, whole foods and quality ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is One Health?

One Health is an internationally recognised approach that recognises the close relationship between human health, animal health and environmental health.

Rather than viewing these areas separately, One Health encourages collaboration across healthcare, agriculture, veterinary science, environmental science, nutrition and public health to address shared challenges.

Why is nutrition important in One Health?

Food connects every part of the One Health framework.

Nutritious food depends on healthy soils, clean water, sustainable farming, food production and resilient supply chains. At the same time, balanced dietary patterns support human health and wellbeing.

Nutrition therefore provides an important link between people, food systems and the environment.

Does One Health recommend a specific diet?

No.

One Health is not a diet.

It is a way of understanding how food systems, agriculture, environmental health and human health are connected.

Many balanced dietary patterns—including those rich in vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains and quality protein—fit within One Health principles because they support both nutrition and resilient food systems.

Can traditional foods be part of One Health?

Absolutely.

Traditional food cultures have long valued:

Whole foods
Seasonal ingredients
Home cooking
Shared meals
Dietary variety
Reducing food waste

These principles closely align with many of today's evidence-informed nutrition recommendations.

What role do dietitians play in One Health?

Dietitians contribute to One Health in many ways.

Their work may include:

Supporting healthy dietary patterns.
Improving food security.
Delivering community nutrition programs.
Contributing to public health initiatives.
Providing evidence-based nutrition advice.
Promoting balanced eating habits.

Increasingly, researchers recognise that many aspects of dietetic practice already support One Health objectives by improving nutrition while considering broader food system outcomes.

Can bone broth be part of a balanced dietary pattern?

Yes.

Bone broth can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

It can be served as a warm savoury drink or incorporated into soups, stews, sauces, casseroles and other home-cooked meals.

Like any food, it works best when enjoyed alongside a varied diet containing vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes and other quality protein sources.

Learn more: Bone Broth Clinical Study: Digestive Wellbeing & Intestinal Permeability Research | Broth & Co

What are some simple ways to support One Health?

You don't need to make dramatic lifestyle changes.

Small everyday habits can make a meaningful difference, including:

Eating a wide variety of whole foods.
Cooking at home more often.
Including quality protein with meals.
Reducing household food waste.
Choosing seasonal produce where practical.
Supporting Australian food producers when possible.
Sharing meals with family and friends.
Building healthy habits that are realistic to maintain over time.

Putting One Health Into Practice

One Health doesn't begin in a laboratory or government office.

It begins with everyday choices.

Every time we prepare a meal, choose seasonal vegetables, reduce food waste or cook from scratch, we're participating in a food system that connects our health with the wider world.

This doesn't mean every decision has to be perfect.

Instead, it encourages us to think more broadly about the relationship between nutrition, food production and long-term wellbeing.

Simple actions such as preparing nourishing meals at home, enjoying a wide variety of foods and valuing quality ingredients all contribute to healthier eating patterns that are practical and sustainable.

Final Thoughts

One Health reminds us that food is about much more than satisfying hunger.

Every meal connects us to farmers, producers, animals, ecosystems, communities and future generations.

The foods we choose today influence not only our own health but also the resilience of the food systems that nourish us all.

The encouraging news is that supporting these connections doesn't require perfection.

Simple habits—such as eating a wide variety of whole foods, cooking more meals at home, reducing food waste, including quality protein and enjoying traditional recipes—can all contribute to healthier people, healthier communities and healthier food systems.

Ultimately, One Health isn't simply a scientific framework.

It's a reminder that our wellbeing is connected to the wellbeing of the world around us, and that every meal offers an opportunity to support both.

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