You may love a juicy steak or a tasty ham sandwich, but new research highlights the risks of frequent consumption of red and processed meat. According to a study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, regular consumption of these foods is associated with a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The study was based on data from nearly 2 million participants from 31 different studies in 20 countries.
Researchers, led by a team from the University of Cambridge, used the global InterConnect project to analyse the relationship between consumption of processed meat, unprocessed red meat, poultry, and the development of type 2 diabetes.
The results of the research are clear: consuming 50 grams of processed meat per day – equivalent to about two slices of ham – is associated with a 15% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes within the next decade.
Similarly, consuming 100 grams of unprocessed red meat per day – equivalent to a small steak – increases the risk by 10%.
Are poultry alternatives safer?
While the consumption of poultry such as chicken and turkey was initially associated with a slightly increased risk (8%), further analysis showed that this result is less consistent than that for processed and red meat. This leaves open the possibility that poultry consumption may be less risky, but more research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Professor Nita Forouhi, from the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge and one of the study authors, said: “Our study provides the most comprehensive evidence to date on the relationship between consumption of processed and red meat and the increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Our findings support recommendations for limiting the consumption of these meats to reduce the risk of diabetes.”
The lead author of the study, Dr. Chunxiao Li, added: “Previous analyses were based on published results, but we examined data from individual participants in each study. This allowed us to harmonise information on meat consumption and diabetes outcomes, enabling more accurate estimates.”
The bottom line: reduce meat consumption
This research reinforces recommendations to reduce the consumption of processed and red meat, not only for protection against type 2 diabetes but also for overall health.
Experts suggest replacing these foods with healthier options, such as plant-based proteins or fish, which have been shown to have beneficial effects on health.
(information from ygeiamou.gr)
