In a new study, researchers found that people who consume unprocessed red meat as part of a healthy Mediterranean diet may reduce their risk of multiple sclerosis (MS).
The research was led by Curtin University and The Australian National University.
The number of people being diagnosed with MS is increasing globally.
Environmental factors such as low sun exposure, low vitamin D, and poor diet may be contributing factors.
Previous research has suggested that a Mediterranean diet can help to reduce the risk of certain health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia and improve overall life expectancy.
However, there is inconclusive evidence to suggest a Mediterranean diet also reduces the risk of developing MS.
The team examined data from 840 Australians to determine whether there was a link between consuming a Mediterranean diet that includes unprocessed red meat, such as lamb, beef and pork, and a reduced risk of a first episode of CNS demyelination, a common precursor to MS.
They found that consuming one daily serving (65 g) of unprocessed red meat as part of a healthy Mediterranean diet may be beneficial for those at high risk of developing MS.
It is unclear why consuming red meat combined with a healthy diet may lower the risk of MS, but red meat contains important macro and micronutrients including protein, iron, zinc, selenium, potassium, vitamin D, and a range of B-vitamins, many of which are important for healthy neurological function.
To ensure that the risks do not outweigh the benefits, Cancer Council WA recommends eating only a moderate amount of unprocessed lean red meat, which equates to no more than one daily serving, where a serving is 65 grams of cooked meat.
The lead author of the study is Dr. Lucinda Black from the School of Public Health at Curtin University.
The study is published in The Journal of Nutrition.
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