The report from a study that tracked more than half a million Americans, age 50 to 71, stated that those who ate the most red meat were about 30 percent more likely to die than those who reported eating the least. The two major causes of death were cancer and heart disease.
The study was carried out by NIH (National Institutes of Health) and AARP, two very large and credible groups.
Apparently just by reducing your meat intake from twice a day to once a week you can eliminate most of the risk.
At the high end, people who consumed 2000 calories daily and ate about 5 ounces of red meat a day (1 ½ Quarter Pounders) were 30 percent more likely to die from cancer or heart disease than those who ate the least red meat.
People at the low end averaged two thirds of an ounce of red meat daily or about 1 ½ Quarter Pounders a week.
Interestingly, processed meats had less impact. Those who ate almost two ounces daily, (one hot dog) were 20 percent higher than those who ate the least amount of meat.
People who ate white meat, chicken, turkey and fish, were at no risk. In fact, those who ate more white meat were at lower risk of cancer and heart disease than those who ate the least amount of meat.
The bottom line: reduce your red meat consumption and eat more turkey, chicken and fish.
More on eating red meat in my next post. In the mean time, tell me what you think about this study. How much red meat do you eat?
To your success at a well balance life.
Ruthan Brodsky
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