For centuries, Asian traditions such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and ancestral kitchens have treated food as both nourishment and healing. Modern science now confirms what ancient wisdom long understood: diet can prevent, manage, and even reverse chronic disease. A plant-forward diet—centered on grains, legumes, and vegetables—is one of the most accessible ways to support both personal health and the planet.

Yet across much of Asia, meat remains central to the plate, often seen as a symbol of wealth and strength. This cultural norm persists despite livestock contributing 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating land degradation. The gap between what we eat and what we know is growing.

This session reframes ‘food as medicine’ as both a personal wellness philosophy and a climate solution. It explores the potential of holistic diets, culinary innovation, and a systemic shift from meat-centric to plant-forward eating. It also asks how we can move beyond awareness to embed ancient wisdom into modern food systems—transforming trend into tradition and healing both people and planet.