Overindulgence of Red Meat Can Be Deadly

But white meat and red meat in moderate amounts do offer some health benefits.

SUMMARY: A study involving more than a half-million people has supported previous research showing eating too much red meat can lead to an early death. The recent research by the US National Cancer Institute found that people eating about 160 grams of red or processed meat per day (equal to a 6 ounce steak) had a higher overall risk of death. The risk increased especially for cancer and heart disease.

On the other hand, people who were big eaters of white meat had a lower risk of overall death, fatal cancer, and heart disease, lower even than those who ate less white meat. And those who ate only a little red meat, about 25 grams a day, apparently were in far less danger.

The researchers said cancer-causing compounds are formed from the high temperatures involved in cooking meat, and meat is a major source of saturated fat, which has been implicated in breast and colorectal cancer. Lower meat intake has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease as well as lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

There are some health benefits to eating a limited amount of red meat. Red meat is a good source of some key nutrients, one nutrition expert says. However, he suggested 30 grams per day as a limit.

To read the entire article click on this BBC NEWS link.

COMMENT: Have you tried to cut down on your red meat consumption? For some people, it doesn't seem to be any easier than it is for the typical smoker to give up his unhealthy habit. The good news is that we apparently can eat a little bit without serious adverse health benefits, and there is always white meat as a replacement.

There are some other steps we can take to cut down if we find ourselves overindulging in red meat and processed meat. If we're in the mood for a hamburger, we can stop patronizing restaurants that offer only huge hamburgers, half-pounders and larger, or at least look for something healthier on the menu. Also, I have found that imitation "meats" made from soy are becoming better at matching the real thing, or, perhaps it is because my taste buds are adjusting more to them. Remember, too, that this study appears to be talking about average daily consumption of red meat. Even if we overindulge one day and then go two or three days without any red meat at all, we might easily stay within the safe limits.

Should Christians be concerned at all about reports such as this one? I believe we should. There is a commandment against murder which includes self-murder. Leading risky lives whether it is maintaining an unhealthy diet or driving too fast on the freeway or not getting enough exercise or some other unwise habit cannot be pleasing to the Lord. Out of love and appreciation for the salvation won for us on the cross, we can try to do better. At least, that's my opinion.

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QUESTION OF THE DAY

What is the BMI (body mass index) that defines obesity?

30. That equates to the following height/weight combinations (4'11"/148, 5'1"/158, 5'3"/169, 5'5"/180, 5'7"/191, 5'9"/203, 5'11"/215, 6'1"/227, and 6'3"/240).

Source: Mayo Clinic's Living Disease-Free

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A small but attractive book designed to answer questions that children have asked regarding creation and evolution. Entirely scriptural.

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