A study led by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has found that people who consume just two servings of red meat per week may have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who eat fewer servings.
The risk increases with greater consumption of red meat, including both processed and unprocessed types.
The study also revealed that replacing red meat with healthy plant-based protein sources, such as nuts and legumes, or modest amounts of dairy foods, was associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Key Findings of the Study
Red Meat and Type 2 Diabetes: The study analyzed data from over 216,000 participants over an extended period of up to 36 years.
It found that red meat consumption, including both processed and unprocessed types, was strongly associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Increased Risk: Participants who consumed the most red meat had a 62% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who consumed the least.
Every additional daily serving of processed red meat was linked to a 46% higher risk, and unprocessed red meat was linked to a 24% higher risk.
Substituting Red Meat: The study estimated the potential effects of substituting one daily serving of red meat with other protein sources.
Substituting a serving of nuts and legumes was associated with a 30% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, while substituting a serving of dairy products was linked to a 22% lower risk.
Recommended Limit: Based on the findings, the researchers suggest that a limit of about one serving per week of red meat would be reasonable for people looking to optimize their health and well-being.
Environmental Impact: Swapping red meat for healthy plant-based protein sources not only has health benefits but also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate change while providing environmental benefits.
Type 2 diabetes rates are increasing globally, making it a significant public health concern.
This study adds to the body of evidence supporting dietary guidelines that recommend limiting the consumption of red meat, highlighting the potential health benefits of such dietary changes.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about new way to achieve type 2 diabetes remission, and one avocado a day keeps diabetes at bay.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies about 5 dangerous signs you have diabetes-related eye disease, and results showing why pomegranate is super fruit for people with diabetes.
The research findings can be found in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
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