Last week, research showed no link between red meat and heart disease or cancer. Today, a new study concludes it can definitely increase your risk. So, is red meat safe or not?
It seems boffins at the Department of Health have got a beef with beef: they maintain anything more than 500g of the red stuff a week (that's 140g or 2.5oz a day) significantly increases your risk of bowel cancer, the second most common form of cancer in the UK. Processed and red meats, such as lamb, beef, bacon and sausage, have also previously been linked to heart disease, thanks to high saturated fat content. However, a report from the British Nutrition Foundation published last week found no conclusive link between cardiovascular disease and red meat, even claiming its high fatty acid content may protect the heart. Scratching your head yet?
ZEST says: Despite the conflicting and confusing research, there are a few scientifically agreed-upon reasons to limit the bacon and burgers. In addition to avoiding unnecessary and potentially harmful saturated fat, cutting back on meat also lowers your impact on the environment. Almost 20% of all greenhouse emissions are due to animal production and one way to do your part is to play veggie once a week. Although the jury may be out on whether meat-free Mondays can prevent cancer, they can definitely protect our Earth.
