This press release from the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) came out on Aug 10 2011. This new study shows that there is a “strong” association with eating red meat (particularly processed red meat) and Type 2 Diabetes. There are so many other factors that contribute to Type 2 Diabetes, I never really considered red meat too be high on that list, but now I just may.
Here is the “juicy” part (if you will) of the press release, in case you do not want to read the whole thing:
“Based on these results, the researchers advise that consumption of processed red meat—like hot dogs, bacon, sausage, and deli meats, which generally have high levels of sodium and nitrites—should be minimized and unprocessed red meat should be reduced. If possible, they add, red meat should be replaced with healthier choices, such as nuts, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, fish, or beans.”
OK that seems easy enough right?
“Worldwide, diabetes has reached epidemic levels, affecting nearly 350 million adults. In the U.S. alone, more than 11% of adults over age 20—25.6 million people—have the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most have type 2 diabetes, which is primarily linked to obesity, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet.”
As you can see diabetes reaching “epidemic” levels should be a signal we need to pay attention here. So before you place that next lunch order, you may want to consider the salad ;o)
