One of the health threats is diabetes. A large-scale study involving nearly two million people from 20 different countries found a link between the development of diabetes and eating red and processed meat.
The conclusions of the study are beyond doubt: steaks, bacon and sausages can be harmful to health. However, experts emphasize that this should not cause fear or panic.
It is enough to follow the general recommendations of a healthy diet, and the researchers do not suggest completely giving up meat.
Research results are not yet proof
The study was published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology journal has the obvious drawback that it cannot prove that meat causes diabetes because it is impossible to completely rule out all other possible risk factors, such as the influence of other foods and lifestyle.
One of the problems with the survey method: researchers have to trust that participants are telling the truth and accurately remembering what they eat.
Does this mean that the findings should be dismissed entirely?
Of course not. The research adds to the body of knowledge about what foods can be good or bad for us.
Cardiometabolic medicine expert at Glasgow University in Scotland prof. Naveed Sattar praised the diligent work of the investigators.
“The data shows that cutting out red and processed meat can protect people not only from heart disease and stroke, but also from type 2 diabetes, which is on the rise worldwide,” the professor said.
What portion is too big?
The study revealed that two thick slices of ham per day (50 g) or a small steak (100 g) increase the risk of developing diabetes.
Findings regarding the effects of chicken and other lean meats were less clear.
England’s National Health Service (NHS) already advises people who eat more than 90g of red or processed meat a day to reduce their intake to 70g. Too much processed meat can cause bowel cancer.
National Cancer Institute (NVI) abdominal surgery doctor dr. Rimantas Baušys has warned that obesity, alcohol consumption and too frequent eating of meat products increase the probability of developing pancreatic cancer.
“Studies show that a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of developing this disease,” lrytas.lt said R. Baušys. Read the full interview with the doctor here.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer places processed meat in the same risk category as tobacco smoking and asbestos.
Processed meat is modified for taste or to extend its shelf life.
Harmful effects can result from the use of chemicals and processing methods such as smoking, curing, adding salt or preservatives.
Although meat is a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals, it is sometimes high in saturated fat, which is associated with high blood cholesterol, a risk factor for coronary heart disease.
What to compensate for the meat?
“Our study provides the most comprehensive evidence yet that consumption of red and processed meat is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes in the future,” said Professor Nita Forouhi of the University of Cambridge, who led the study.
Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which there is a high concentration of glucose in the blood because the body produces too little insulin or it does not perform its function in the body effectively.
Risk factors include:
– obesity or overweight;
– high blood pressure;
– cases of illness in the family.
If you’re going to give up meat, it’s important to make sure you’re not deficient in vital nutrients like iron and vitamin B12.
Milk, cheese and eggs are natural sources of vitamin B12.
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2024-08-23 05:49:30