Maidstone, Kent -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/28/2012 -- Researchers at Harvard Medical School have found that a diet high in red meat can shorten life expectancy. The study of more than 120,000 people suggested red meat increased the risk of death from cancer and heart problems. The study also found that substituting red meat with fish, chicken or nuts lowered the risks, the authors said.

“I’m really worried about this,” said a source at Evo Promotions, a marketing company based in Maidstone, UK. “I enjoy a good steak or a rack of prime ribs.”

But fellow meat fans can rest assured, as a dietitian at the British Heart Foundation soothed concerns by saying: "Red meat can still be eaten as part of a balanced diet, but go for the leaner cuts and use healthier cooking methods such as grilling.

Researchers at Harvard analyzed data from almost 40,000 men between 1986 and 2008 and over 83,000 women between 1980 and 2008. The study found that a higher intake of red meat was associated with a significantly elevated risk of total, cardiovascular disease, and cancer mortality.

“We’ve heard these warnings before,” said another source within Evo Promotions. “It’s up to the individual whether you take the news to heart or not, but I recently adopted a more varied diet and as a result I have been feeling much healthier of late.”

The researchers suggested that saturated fat from red meat may be behind the increased heart risk, and the sodium used in processed meats may "increase cardiovascular disease risk through its effect on blood pressure".

“I still enjoy a good steak every now and then,” said Evo Promotion’s managing director. “But now mix it up a little with protein-rich foods like chicken and fish. Together with a little bit of exercise, I have really started to notice the difference in how I look and feel.”

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17345967

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