Red meat and processed options shown to increase type 2 diabetes risk
Red meat - particularly the processed kind - has become a ubiquitous part of the American lifestyle. Many people would find it difficult to go through a day without eating some amount of processed meat. However, a new study suggests this may pose a serious health risk.
Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health recently found that people who eat the type of processed meat commonly found in hot dogs and other similar types of products are significantly more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
The findings, which were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, are based on studies of more than 442,000 individuals. The medical records of these participants were tracked for up to 28 years. During this time, individuals answered food questionnaires.
The results showed that individuals who ate one 100-gram serving of unprocessed red meat per day were 19 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Those who consumed one 50-gram serving of processed meat per day were found to be 51 percent more likely to become diabetic.
“Clearly, the results from this study have huge public health implications given the rising type 2 diabetes epidemic and increasing consumption of red meats worldwide,” said Professor Frank Hu, who conducted the study.
Processed foods are now a central part of many Americans’ diets, and they appear in more products than one might think. A person may have crossed hot dogs off of their regular dietary menu, but they still may be exposed to harmful chemicals in processed foods if they regularly eat deli meat. Furthermore, many restaurant menu items now include bacon, which also falls under the processed meats category.
These types of meat may be harmful to metabolic health because they generally have high levels of sodium and nitrates, two substances that can elevate blood pressure and cause changes in the way the body processes energy.
However, the researchers did find that much of the damage that is caused by excessive consumption of processed meats can be reversed by making a few dietary alterations. Substituting one daily serving of red meat with a serving of nuts was associated with a 21 percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Opting for low-fat dairy and whole grains resulted in a 17 and 23 percent lower risk, respectively.
“The good news is that such troubling risk factors can be offset by swapping red meat for a healthier protein,” added Hu.
Findings such as these indicate that individuals who are already at risk for diabetes, such as those who are obese or have prediabetes, may need to make alterations to their diets. Consistently opting for processed foods and red meat can clearly take a toll on a person’s metabolic system.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has reached all-time highs. However, the simple dietary alterations recommended by the present study may help address the situation.
Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health recently found that people who eat the type of processed meat commonly found in hot dogs and other similar types of products are significantly more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
The findings, which were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, are based on studies of more than 442,000 individuals. The medical records of these participants were tracked for up to 28 years. During this time, individuals answered food questionnaires.
The results showed that individuals who ate one 100-gram serving of unprocessed red meat per day were 19 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Those who consumed one 50-gram serving of processed meat per day were found to be 51 percent more likely to become diabetic.
“Clearly, the results from this study have huge public health implications given the rising type 2 diabetes epidemic and increasing consumption of red meats worldwide,” said Professor Frank Hu, who conducted the study.
Processed foods are now a central part of many Americans’ diets, and they appear in more products than one might think. A person may have crossed hot dogs off of their regular dietary menu, but they still may be exposed to harmful chemicals in processed foods if they regularly eat deli meat. Furthermore, many restaurant menu items now include bacon, which also falls under the processed meats category.
These types of meat may be harmful to metabolic health because they generally have high levels of sodium and nitrates, two substances that can elevate blood pressure and cause changes in the way the body processes energy.
However, the researchers did find that much of the damage that is caused by excessive consumption of processed meats can be reversed by making a few dietary alterations. Substituting one daily serving of red meat with a serving of nuts was associated with a 21 percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Opting for low-fat dairy and whole grains resulted in a 17 and 23 percent lower risk, respectively.
“The good news is that such troubling risk factors can be offset by swapping red meat for a healthier protein,” added Hu.
Findings such as these indicate that individuals who are already at risk for diabetes, such as those who are obese or have prediabetes, may need to make alterations to their diets. Consistently opting for processed foods and red meat can clearly take a toll on a person’s metabolic system.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has reached all-time highs. However, the simple dietary alterations recommended by the present study may help address the situation.
First published on: August 10, 2011
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