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Can eating red meat cut or increase diabetes risk? A nutritionist explains

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Consuming red meat regularly is linked with some chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer. The latest study suggests that eating red meat often can also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge arrived at the conclusion after studying over 2 million participants from the European and North American populations. The research published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology investigated the associations of unprocessed red meat, processed meat, and poultry consumption with type 2 diabetes.

107,271 cases of type 2 diabetes were recorded in a 10-year follow-up of 1.97 million adults. The study found a clear link between a higher intake of red and processed meats and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

According to the study, individuals who consumed 50 grams of processed meat daily raised their diabetes risk by 15%, while in individuals who had 100 grams of unprocessed red meat daily, the risk was raised by 10%. Participants, who consumed poultry regularly were also associated with a slightly elevated diabetes risk of 8%, though this link was weaker and less consistent.
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Nutritionist and author Dr Federica Amati too agreed that those who have a carnivore diet are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. “Eating too much red meat, so eating it several times a week, even every day, actually increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. That's because our metabolic health depends on us getting a variety of foods, and a high-fiber diet is critical for good metabolic health. So you can imagine if you're getting the majority of your calories from red meat, it will have an impact. This study clearly shows the more red meat you have, the higher your HbA1c, which is actually a measure of our blood glucose levels over time,” she said.
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She also recommended following a Mediterranean diet would help to lower the risk of diabetes, and also have a positive impact on metabolism. “So if in doubt, if you're trying to follow a diet that is going to support your metabolic health and reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, look at the Mediterranean dietary pattern. Plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, extra veg and olive oil, and the preferred source of animal protein is actually oily fish,” she added.

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Apart from diabetes, scientists have also linked red meat consumption to chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer. Despite containing key nutrients like protein, vitamin B12, and zinc, the regular consumption of red meat can have an adverse effect on overall health.
(Pic courtesy: Pexels)
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