| The Dangerous Red Meat Health Connection |
| Written by Kirsten Whittaker |
| Monday, 21 September 2009 12:39 |
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In a study involving over half a million men and women, mature Americans who eat large amounts of red meat, as well as processed meats were found to have a greater risk of death from heart disease and cancer - Finding a link between red meat and health.
In a study involving over half a million men and women, mature Americans who eat large amounts of red meat, as well as processed meats were found to have a greater risk of death from heart disease and cancer - Finding a link between red meat and health. This research back up the long-standing advice of experts to limit red meats in the diet, and appears in the March 23, 2009 Archives of Internal Medicine. The researchers looked at over 545,000 subjects aged 50 to 71 years old, recruited from AARP members as part of the National Institutes of Health Diet and Health Study, and asked about their eating habits. The results did rely on subjects remembering what they ate, and this isn't always accurate. Also, the pool of subjects was drawn from a group thought to be healthier than other Americans, which means the findings might not apply to everyone, but they are certainly representative. Over 70,000 of the subjects died during the ten year long study, and the researchers took into account risk factors like smoking, high BMI (body mass index) and family history of cancer in their analysis. The findings however still point an accusing finger at red and processed meats. Eating a quarter pound hamburger daily gave a 22% higher risk of dying from cancer; 27% higher risk of dying from heart disease as compared to subjects who ate just 5 ounces of meat a week. Women whose diet included more red meat had a 20% higher risk of dying of cancer; 50% higher risk of dying of heart disease than women who ate less of this type of meat. In 2003-2004, the most recent year's statistics are available, adults on average ate 2.5 ounces of red meat per day. So the consumption levels in the study are over the average. "The consumption of red meat was associated with a modest increase in total mortality," declared Rashmi Sinha, lead author of the study. Amazingly, processed meats carried lower overall risks than red meat according to the research. However, it is important to note that those whose diets had more white meat (chicken and fish) were discovered to have lower risks of death. "This fits together with the findings of the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Cancer Society, which recommend limiting the consumption of red meat," added Sinha, who is a senior investigator with the nutrition epidemiological branch at the Cancer Institute. So, why are excessive amounts of red meat bad for our bodies? Sadly, the research has not pinned down the answer quite yet. Some experts suggest the trouble might come from the fat and iron in the meats, others the salt, nitrates/nitrites of processed meats. In addition, when meat is overcooked (especially fried or charbroiled) at high temperatures substances which are mutagenic or even carcinogenic are created. Another argument for cutting out the red meats? And, if you need another reason, livestock contribute to greenhouse gas emissions that have been implicated in global warming. Barry Popkin, who wrote an editorial to the study, suggests, "We've promoted a diet that has added excessively to global warming." Most experts suggest that meat should not be eliminated entirely from your diet, but rather become a supporting part of meals along with other healthy options. Fish, poultry or beans are an alternative source of protein in the diet. Leaner cuts of meat can also be part of a healthy diet, and according to the American Meat Institute are an excellent source of iron, B12 and zinc, as well as other essential vitamins and minerals. So, don't let the link between red meat and health be your downfall. Talk to your doctor about how you can introduce a healthier diet. About the Author: Next - just head on over to the Daily Health Bulletin for the link between dangerous red meat and health, plus for a limited time get 5 free fantastic health reports. Click here to watch an automated video on the dangers of red meat study. |