Why Red Meat Raises Red Flags

[Guest guest]

Why Red Meat Raises Red Flags

 

 

In large-scale, long-term studies of Seventh Day

Adventists, for example, men who ate beef at least

three times a week were twice as likely to die of

heart disease than men who never ate it. Red meat is

the major source of saturated fat in the American

diet, and a diet high in saturated fat can raise your

blood levels of total cholesterol, especially harmful

LDL cholesterol. This increases the likelihood you'll

develop heart disease.

 

Eating red meat (beef, pork) frequently is also

strongly associated with an increased risk of cancers

of the colon and rectum. It may also increase the risk

of cancers of the pancreas, breast, prostate and

kidney. Animal fat is also independently linked with

an increased risk of cancers of the lung, colon,

rectum, breast, endometrium and prostate.

 

Does that mean an occasional hamburger will do you in?

Of course not. What really matters is your overall

dietary pattern. In population studies, individuals

who say that they eat red meat " less than once a week "

are generally at a significantly lower risk of heart

disease and cancer than those who eat red meat several

times a week. People who eat too much meat also tend

to eat too few fruits and vegetables, and it's that

combination that's particularly unhealthful.

 

The health benefits of vegetarian diets derive in

large part from what they contain: vegetables, fruits,

whole grains, legumes and, in some cases, small

amounts of nuts. These " plant-based " foods lower the

risk of cancer and heart disease by supplying

phytochemicals that act as antioxidants, boost

anti-cancer enzymes, suppress tumor growth and lower

blood cholesterol.

 

It's a question of balance. Some nutrition scientists

think red meat has no value to a healthy diet - and

it's certainly not a necessary component of a

nutritious diet. But small amounts, on the order of

half a pound a month - in a diet that's rich in fruits

and vegetables - are consistent with good health. If

you choose to include red meat in your diet, you can

greatly reduce your risk of chronic disease by

strictly limiting how much and how often you eat it.

 

 

 

 

=====

Language is an expression of thought. Everytime you speak, your mind is on

Parade Exodus 20:8-11 & Hebrews 4:9

 

 

 

Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now.

http://mailplus.