Even a small amount of red meat can increase the risk of premature death by 18%, according to a study by Loma Linda University

LOMA LINDA, Calif. (KABC) – It is not surprising that most doctors consider that consuming large amounts of red meat increases the risk of premature death.

But a new study suggests that even small amounts of unprocessed red meat can reduce your life expectancy by as much as 20%.

What is considered small? Just a taco a day or two small meatballs a day.

"Extensive evidence suggests that red meat and processed meat may be unhealthy," said Dr. Michael Orlich of Loma Linda Health University. "(This) can increase your risk of contracting a number of diseases and premature mortality."

The study was conducted by Loma Linda University Health in the last 18 months. It included data collected from 96,000 men and women from 2002 to 2007. Those surveyed were Seventh-day Adventists, already considered a population composed mainly of vegetarians and people consuming small amounts of meat.

But Orlich said the unique and revealing aspect of this study was that the meat eaters included in it only consumed small amounts of meat each day.

"Two ounces of meat a day," said Orlich. "Which is like half a portion a day."

And this group saw its risk of premature death increase by about 18% compared to the group of people who did not eat meat.

Orlich said that it was important to keep things in perspective, however. Even if eating very small amounts of red meat can still increase your risk of premature death by 18% compared to non-meat consumers, Orlich admits that this number is derisory in relation to the increased risk of smoking, which he between 200 and 300%.

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association adds that the study should not be used to recommend dietary changes. The organization issued the following statement:

"There is a lot of scientific evidence that beef can be part of a healthy diet." Beef is a tasty food that provides an essential source of essential nutrients such as iron, zinc and protein. high quality and helps to compensate for nutritional deficiencies. "

For people who are not vegetarian, the study could make a difference in how they eat. But not everyone.

"I will not stop eating red meat once in a while," Jed Kistner-Morris of Riverside joked. "I like it, it's good."