some red meats are high in saturated fat which raises blood cholesterol and increases the risk of heart disease. researchers say eating red meat also raises the risk for some cancers especially colorectal. “the association between consumption of red and processed meats and cancer particularly colorectal cancer is very consistent ” says marji mccullough phd a nutritional epidemiologist with the american cancer society. red meat has its benefits: it is high in iron something many teenage girls and women in their childbearing years are lacking; it supplies vitamin b12 which helps make dna and keeps nerve and red blood cells healthy; zinc which keeps the immune system working properly; and it provides protein which helps build bones and muscles. the american institute for cancer research a nonprofit that focuses on cancer prevention through diet and physical activity advises no more than 18 ounces of cooked red meat a week.
does red meat cause heart disease or cancer?