The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Is red meat bad for you? And does it make a difference if it's a processed burger or a lean steak?

  • Written by Katherine Livingstone, NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University
Is red meat bad for you? And does it make a difference if it's a processed burger or a lean steak?

A juicy burger is a staple in many Australians’ diet. Yet research shows regularly eating red meat can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease[1] and certain cancers[2].

But is eating a beef burger worse for your health than eating a lean grass-fed steak? And how much red meat should we really be eating?

Read more: Talking about eating less red and processed meat provokes strong feelings. That's why this new evidence-based report is welcome[3]

Types of red meat

First of all, it’s good to clarify that red meat[4] refers to all mammalian muscle meat. So that includes beef, lamb, pork, veal, mutton and goat.

Then we can distinguish red meat types by how the animal has been raised and how the meat is processed. Here are some key terms to know.

Conventional meat, also called grain-fed, is meat from animals that are grass-fed for part of their lives and then given a grain-based diet for the remainder. Most red meat available in major supermarkets is grain-fed.

Grass-fed meat comes from animals that have grazed on pasture for their entire lives. This means grass-fed meat tends to have higher levels of unsaturated fats than conventional meat, and is why some research[5] suggests it’s healthier. Grass-fed meat is also likely to cost more.

Organic meat is seen as a premium product as it has to meet government standards[6] for organic produce. For example, meat labelled as organic cannot use synthetic pesticides or use hormones or antibiotics to stimulate growth.

Processed meats have been preserved by smoking, curing or salting, or by adding chemical preservatives. Examples include sausages, ham, bacon and hot dogs.

Sausages and salamis
Salami and other smallgoods are processed meats. Shutterstock

What is the nutritional value of red meat?

Red meat[7] contains many nutrients that are important for health, including protein, vitamin B12, iron and zinc. Red meat is a good source of iron and zinc as they are more easily absorbed by the body from meat than from plant foods.

Red meat is often high in saturated fats, but this can range widely[8] from less than 1% to over 25% depending on the cut and whether it’s trimmed of fat or not. Minced meat typically ranges from 2% to 9% saturated fat depending on whether its extra lean or regular.

To limit intake of saturated fats, opt for leaner mince and leaner cuts of meat, such as pork tenderloins or beef steak with the fat trimmed off.

Wagyu beef[9] (which simply translates to Wa = Japanese and Gyu = cow) has been touted as a healthier alternative to conventional red meat, as it tends to be higher in unsaturated fats. But research is limited, and ultimately it still contains saturated fat.

Processed meats, such as bacon, salami and sausages, contain beneficial nutrients, but they are also high in saturated fat, sodium and contain preservatives.

Read more: Here's a meaty question – are barbecues bad for your health? [10]

Is red meat bad for your health? And does the type matter?

It’s widely reported eating too much red meat is bad for your health, because it can increase your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

But most of the evidence for this comes from observational studies, which cannot determine whether red meat intake actually causes the condition.

Most evidence is observational because it’s simply not ethical or feasible to ask someone to eat large amounts of meat every day for many years to see if they develop cancer.

So let’s take a look at the evidence:

Heart disease and type 2 diabetes

In a review[11] of 37 observational studies, the authors found weak evidence of an association between eating unprocessed red meat and heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

But for processed meat, a recent review[12] showed that for each additional 50g of processed meat consumed per day, the risk of heart disease increased by 26% and the risk of type 2 diabetes increased by 44%, on average.

Cancer

Leading international organisations have declared there’s strong evidence consumption of red and processed meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer[13].

For example, in a study[14] of nearly 500,000 people, each additional 50g of red meat consumed per day increased the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%. And each additional 25g of processed meat consumed per day, equivalent to a slice of ham, increased the risk by 19%.

While research[15] has linked consumption of red and processed meat with increased risk of other types of cancer, such as lung, pancreatic and breast, the evidence is not consistent.

It also matters how red meat is cooked. For example, cooking a steak over a high heat, especially an open flame, chars the outside. This causes chemical compounds[16] to form that have been shown to cause cancer in very high doses in animal models, and some studies in humans have found an association[17] with increased cancer rates.

When it comes to how the animal was raised or its breed, based on current evidence, it’s unlikely the nutritional differences will have a substantial impact on human health. But research is limited in this area.

Steak Roasting is better than cooking over an open flame. jose ignacio pompe/unsplash, CC BY[18]

Read more: Yes, we still need to cut down on red and processed meat[19]

How much red meat should you eat?

Our national dietary guidelines[20] recommend the average adult eats a maximum of 455g of cooked lean red meat per week (or less than 65g a day, equivalent to one small lamb chop). This is also what’s recommended by the national Cancer Council[21].

For heart health specifically, the national Heart Foundation[22] recommends eating less than 350g of cooked, unprocessed red meat per week (or less than 50g a day).

Many dietary guidelines around the world now also recommend limiting red meat consumption for environmental reasons. To optimise both human nutrition and planetary health, the EAT-Lancet commission[23] recommends consuming no more than 98g a week of red meat and very low intakes of processed meat.

Read more: Should we eat red meat? The nutrition and the ethics[24]

So what does all of this mean for your diet?

The bottom line is that red meat can still be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet[25], if not eaten in excess. Where possible, opt for unprocessed or lean cuts, and try to grill less and roast more. Consider swapping red meat for lean chicken or fish occasionally too.

If you are looking for alternatives to meat that are better for your health and the environment, minimally processed plant-based alternatives, such as tofu, beans and lentils, are great options.

Read more: How to get the nutrients you need without eating as much red meat[26]

References

  1. ^ type 2 diabetes, heart disease (academic.oup.com)
  2. ^ certain cancers (www.thelancet.com)
  3. ^ Talking about eating less red and processed meat provokes strong feelings. That's why this new evidence-based report is welcome (theconversation.com)
  4. ^ red meat (www.who.int)
  5. ^ research (www.mdpi.com)
  6. ^ government standards (www.agriculture.gov.au)
  7. ^ Red meat (www.eatforhealth.gov.au)
  8. ^ range widely (www.foodstandards.gov.au)
  9. ^ Wagyu beef (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  10. ^ Here's a meaty question – are barbecues bad for your health? (theconversation.com)
  11. ^ review (www.nature.com)
  12. ^ review (academic.oup.com)
  13. ^ increases the risk of colorectal cancer (www.wcrf.org)
  14. ^ study (academic.oup.com)
  15. ^ research (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  16. ^ chemical compounds (www.cancer.gov)
  17. ^ association (aacrjournals.org)
  18. ^ CC BY (creativecommons.org)
  19. ^ Yes, we still need to cut down on red and processed meat (theconversation.com)
  20. ^ dietary guidelines (www.eatforhealth.gov.au)
  21. ^ Cancer Council (www.cancer.org.au)
  22. ^ Heart Foundation (www.heartfoundation.org.au)
  23. ^ EAT-Lancet commission (eatforum.org)
  24. ^ Should we eat red meat? The nutrition and the ethics (theconversation.com)
  25. ^ healthy diet (www.eatforhealth.gov.au)
  26. ^ How to get the nutrients you need without eating as much red meat (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/is-red-meat-bad-for-you-and-does-it-make-a-difference-if-its-a-processed-burger-or-a-lean-steak-207927

The Times Features

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Uncover the Elegance of Gorgeous Diamond Tennis Necklaces

Key Highlights Diamond tennis necklaces are a timeless piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication. They feature a continuous line of brilliant-cut diamonds, cre...

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, two of the most common options are dental implants and dentures. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so choosing between them ...

What Neck Pain Really Means (And Why It’s More Than Just Poor Posture)

Neck pain is often brushed off as something temporary — a tight spot after a long day at the desk or a poor night’s sleep. But when the discomfort keeps returning, it could be a ...

The Work of Gosha Rubchinskiy: Fashion, Culture, and Youth

From Designer to Cultural Architect Gosha Rubchinskiy is not just a fashion designer—he's a cultural force. Born in Moscow in 1984, Rubchinskiy began his career in fashion in t...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping