Red Meat – Processed Meats Increase Risk Of Cancer

Increase Risk Of Cancer
Caused By Red & Processed Meat Diet

The  U.S. Cancer Institute did a long-term study on over 500,000 people ages 50-71 and found that a diet that includes large amounts of red or processed meats does in fact increase your risk of cancers.

In this case the study defined red meat as beef, pork, lamb, hot dogs and processed meat including bacon, sausages and luncheon meats.

Conclusions were that those who ate a lot of red meat and processed meats do have a higher risk of several types of cancer, including lung cancer and colon cancer. **

The U.S. National Cancer Institute stated that “a decrease in the consumption of red and processed meat could reduce the incidence of cancer.” **

Those in the study who ate the least amounts of red meat did have 20-60 percent less risk of any type of cancer when compared to those who ate the most red meat. The study did take into account smokers as well.

Eat Less Red Meat

The consumption of red meat has been on the rise for years partly as a result of the industrialized food practices bringing the cost down.  It is easy to increase your consumption of other meat proteins and therefore reduce red meat consumption.  Turkey is one of the best animal sources of proteins, bringing us a nutrient powerhouse, better fats and more vitamins and minerals.  Incorporating legumes into your meat dishes is another way to reduce red meat consumption as well.  Making any ground beef dish with the addition of black beans or other legumes will result in a higher fiber, reduced animal fat entree.  Organic meat producers and processed food companies are less likely to be using carcinogenic additives.

Processed Food Cancer Risks-Nitrates

Today most processed deli foods and meats are treated with nitrates.  Nitrates are proven cancer-causing agents and should be avoided at all costs!  Avoid all but the most naturally processed meats!  Buying processed meats that are not treated with nitrates will go a long way toward reducing your family’s risk factors for cancer.

It all comes down to the same thing: Read your ingredients list! The WOW! healthy living diet teaches you how to decipher the ingredients list!

**
December 2007 issue of the journal Medicine from the Public Library of Science

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