New concerns raised over study that OK’d current meat consumption levels (2024)

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New concerns raised over study that OK’d current meat consumption levels? ›

The study now faces new criticism that its lead author failed to disclose previous research ties to a food industry trade group. The study reported that longstanding research connecting red meat consumption to heart disease and cancer is not supported by strong scientific evidence.

We found weak evidence of association between unprocessed red meat consumption and colorectal cancer, breast cancer, type 2 diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Moreover, we found no evidence of an association between unprocessed red meat and ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke.

Boston, MA—People who eat just two servings of red meat per week may have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to people who eat fewer servings, and the risk increases with greater consumption, according to a new study led by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Although meat means an important source of nutrients, it is also evident that a great consumption of this source of proteins has also a negative environmental impact. Livestock production does not only have a negative influence on GHG emissions, but also on the water footprint, water pollution, and water scarcity.

We Slaughter 6 Times More Chickens Than A Few Decades Before

Whether we actually eat the meat or not, we're still stuck with the same downsides. And these impacts are devastating: an extra three billion hectares of land razed for livestock and several gigatonnes of carbon dioxide and methane pumped into the atmosphere.

When we eat them, nitrates and nitrites can become N-nitroso chemicals (NOCs) that can damage the cells that line our bowel. This damage can lead to bowel cancer. Added nitrates may be the reason why processed meat increases the risk of bowel cancer more than red meat. This is naturally found in red meat.

The researchers found "low" evidence that either red meat or processed meat is harmful. Their advice: there's no need to reduce your regular red meat and processed meat intake for health reasons.

There are so many myths about meat, including whether it sits in your gut for ages after you eat it. Nothing 'sits' in your gut. Your digestive system is not a recycling centre that carefully separates your food into meat, vegetables, grains and so on and then processes them separately.

The meat industry takes a serious toll on the environment in a number of ways — cheap and abundant protein has fed many humans but also left our planet in significantly worse shape. To begin with, meat is one of the biggest drivers of deforestation, or the clearing of forested land.

Meat and poultry are great sources of protein. They also provide lots of other nutrients your body needs, like iodine, iron, zinc, vitamins (especially B12) and essential fatty acids. So it's a good idea to eat meat and poultry every week as part of your balanced diet.

What is the biggest problem in the meat industry? ›

LEAD researchers also found that the global livestock industry uses dwindling supplies of freshwater, destroys forests and grasslands, and causes soil erosion, while pollution and the runoff of fertilizer and animal waste create dead zones in coastal areas and smother coral reefs.

When forests are destroyed to produce industrial meat, billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming. The fallen trees are often left to rot on the forest floor or are burned, creating further emissions.

Pork, for example, is the most consumed meat globally, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, making up 36% of the world's meat intake. The popularity of pork is closely followed by poultry, which is a staple in many countries due to its versatility and affordability.

By 2050, global meat consumption is projected to reach between 460 million and a staggering 570 million tons. 570 million tons would mean a consumption of meat twice as high as in 2008.

Research shows that people who eat red meat are at a higher risk of death from heart disease, stroke or diabetes. Processed meats also make the risk of death from these diseases go up. And what you don't eat also can harm your health.

How does beef production cause greenhouse gas emissions? The short answer: Through the agricultural production process and through land-use change. The longer explanation: Cows and other ruminant animals (like goats and sheep) emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as they digest grasses and plants.

It's important to remember that there are downsides to eating certain kinds of meats. Processed meats may be associated with a slightly increased risk of colorectal cancer — though other factors may also be at play — and too much meat intake is tied to an increased risk of death by any cause ( 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ).

Limiting foods with saturated fat, including meat, can lower “bad” or LDL cholesterol in your blood. Experts say saturated fats should make up less than 10% of your calories every day. If you still crave meat, try leaner, skinless cuts.

The study reported that longstanding research connecting red meat consumption to heart disease and cancer is not supported by strong scientific evidence.

In the 1970s, the average American consumed 20% more meat than the prescribed dietary guidelines recommended. By 2022, this increased to 40% more than the guidelines advised. A 2020 study shows that the average person in the U.S. consumes 82 pounds of beef every year.