Study finds more red meat in diet is associated with higher risk of premature death

Increasing the amount of red meat you eat can increase your risk of premature death, a study that has followed the eating habits of more than 80,000 people.

An extra half a serving of red meat a day was associated with an increased risk of premature death of 10%. The researchers also found that the decrease in red meat consumption and the increase in consumption of nuts, fish, poultry, dairy products, eggs, whole grains or vegetables were also associated with a lower risk of premature death.

"This long-term study provides further evidence that reducing the consumption of red meat while consuming other protein foods or more whole grains and vegetables could reduce the risk of premature death," Frank said. , from Harvard's TH, author of the study. Chan School of Public Health said in a statement.

Herbal nuggets ?: Tyson Foods launches into meat substitutes

The study was published Wednesday in the British Medical Journal.

That red meat is processed is also important. The researchers found that at least half a serving of processed red meat increased the risk of premature death by 13%, while the same amount of unprocessed red meat increased the risk by only 9%.

Ultra-processed foods: Studies show that too much junk food can lead to premature death and heart disease

The results are true, regardless of age, level of physical activity, quality of food, smoking or alcohol consumption, said the authors of the ##################################################################################### 39; study.

The researchers followed 27,916 men and 53,553 women from two groups between 1986 and 2010 and examined their red meat consumption over a period of eight years and their state of health over the next eight years.

In an interview with NPR, Tom Sherman, a professor at Georgetown University, who did not participate in the study, described the study as "somewhat interesting" because it tracked changes in behavior.

"Behavioral changes are enlightening and diagnostic enough," he told the public broadcaster. However, the study is observational and can only prove the association and not the causality. Sherman said one of the weaknesses of the study is that it can not totally control the independent factors that may add to the trend.

Diet and breast cancer: Low fat diet with more fruits and vegetables may reduce risk of death from breast cancer

Heather Fields, a specialist in internal medicine at Mayo Clinic, told CNN that the study was contributing to a growing body of research that showed the potential negative effects of increased red meat consumption.

"Keeping these results in mind, we can now focus on the foods we can add to the diet to improve longevity and reduce the risk of chronic disease," she said. Fields was not involved in the study.

Hu also advocated regime changes.

"To improve both human health and environmental sustainability, it is important to adopt a Mediterranean-style or other diet that emphasizes healthy plant foods," he said. he said in a statement.

Where to find vegan fast food: Vegan and meatless fast food options are on the rise. Here is where to find them.

Follow Ryan Miller, USA TODAY, on Twitter @RyanW_Miller

Read or share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2019/06/13/more-red-meat-diet-tied-higher-high-risk-early-death-study- says / 1441917001 /