Want To Help Your Heart? Cut Back on the Red Meat

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that women who ate half a serving of red meat a day actually faired much better than women who had two servings of red meat daily. This is a dramatic change in the understanding of the impact of red meat on the body.

It’s a Matter of Protein Choice

Women who consumed two servings of red meat daily were found to have an approximately 30 percent increased chance of developing heart disease. Further, researchers discovered that type of red meat protein made a difference in how much the likelihood of developing heart disease increased. Eating one hamburger daily increased chances by 42 percent; one serving of bacon increased chances by 41 percent and one hot dog per day increased chances by 35 percent.

Swapping other protein choices can make a dramatic change in the chances of developing heart disease. For example, women who exchanged one serving of red meat for a serving of beans reduced heart disease risk by one third. Other foods that were found to be effective included chicken (19 percent), fish (24 percent), nuts (30 percent). Low fat dairy was also found to lower heart risk by 13 percent.

If you like red meat, it’s probably not the end of the world if you indulge in an occasional burger or thick juicy steak. However, like many things in life, moderation is the key. The rest of the time, load up on poultry, fish, nuts and low fat dairy.

– The Alternative Daily

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