A recent European study has found that consuming just 40 grams of meat per day dramatically increases the risk of developing serious cardiovascular diseases or cancer. The study, which involved approximately 450,000 participants, found that consuming 50 grams of meat per day increases the risk of premature death by 18%. According to Sabine Rohrmann, the lead researcher at the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine at the University of Zurich, “three percent of all premature deaths are due to the high consumption of various meat products.”
The study examined the relationship between meat consumption and the risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease or cancer. The results showed that individuals who consume a lot of processed meats, such as salami or ham, have an increased risk of developing these diseases. The researchers suggest that this increased risk may be due to the presence of carcinogenic substances such as nitrosamines, which are produced during the salting, curing, and smoking of meat products. Processed meat products are also high in cholesterol and saturated fats, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The study also confirmed previous research that suggests that vegetarians tend to live healthier lives, exercise more, and smoke less. The researchers found that individuals who consume a lot of meat tend to eat less fruits and vegetables, consume more alcohol, and smoke more. However, even after accounting for these factors, the study found that consuming more than 40 grams of meat per day still increases the risk of premature death. Rohrmann suggests that while meat is an important source of vitamins and minerals, it is recommended to consume no more than 20 grams per day.
