The Range of Negative Health Effects Linked to Eating Red Meat

By Sondra Forsyth

You’ve heard before that eating red meat is not a great idea is you want to stay healthy. Yet you and yours may still be avoiding the warnings. If you’re consuming steaks, rib roasts, and burgers on a fairly regular basis, a September 2016 review published in the Journal of Internal Medicine might finally make you a white meat convert. The review provided a comprehensive summary of the potential negative health effects of eating red meat, especially processed meat. Results from published studies and analyses indicate significant increased risks for (drum roll, please):

• diabetes
• heart disease
• stroke
• cancer

A release from the publisher states that the review also notes that the production of red meat creates an environmental burden, with impacts on:

• greenhouse gas emissions
• fossil energy use
• water use and quality.

Some countries have integrated human health and the health of the planet into new dietary guidelines that recommend limiting the consumption of red meat. But right here at home, you can make a difference in your life and the lives of your loved ones, and benefit the planet in the bargain, if you opt for chicken and fish instead of beef products. Here’s to your health!