The debate over the health implications of red meat consumption refuses to die down.
It is loaded with vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthful, balanced diet. However, there are several studies which establish red meat responsible for higher risk of cancer and other diseases.
What is it? How do we define that? It is a flesh that comes from mammalian muscle such as beef, lamb, pork, goat, veal, and mutton.
In recent years many of us have given up on red meat. There are just two reasons – higher health risks involved and availability of other options.
Vegan is now trending
The growing concern over animal welfare has turned many people as vegan. It seems that millions more of us are opting for plant-based foods over meat-based products. We believe that they are more healthful.
A number of studies have suggested that when it comes to health, a plant-based diet is the way to go. In December 2016, a position paper from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics claimed that a plant-based diet can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. That too by 62 percent. It can as well reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Cancer
When it comes to intake, cancer is perhaps the most well-established health implication.
The World Health Organization (WHO) published a report concluding that red meat is “probably carcinogenic to humans”. This means that there is some evidence that it can increase the risk of cancer.
It essentially means that there is sufficient evidence that processed meat intake increases cancer risk.
To reach these conclusions, the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Working Group reviewed more than 800 studies assessing the effects of red and processed meats on various types of cancer.
Kidney failure
Kidney failure – whereby the kidneys are no longer able to filter waste products and water from the blood. It is one of the biggest health concerns now. Diabetes and high blood pressure are among the most common causes of kidney failure. Many studies have proved that red meat consumption increases the risk of both diabetes and high blood pressure.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. It concludes that a dose-dependent link between red meat consumption and risk of kidney failure. For example, participants who were in the highest 25 percent of red meat intake were found to have a 40 percent increased risk of kidney failure, compared with those in the lowest 25 percent.
Heart disease
An unhealthful diet, high in saturated fat and cholesterol, is a well-known risk factor for heart disease. A number of studies have suggested that it falls into that category. It raises the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.
Also Read: Genes Versus Nutrition Imbalance