Eating Red Meat Ups your Risk for Coronary Heart Diseases; Study Warns

Eating red meat can increase the risk for coronary heart diseases (CHD), according to a study.

Previous trials have identified health hazards of eating meat that has high levels of protein. Middle-aged adults with high intake of red meat have high risk of cancers.

Researchers from the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington found that heme-iron contained in red meat gets deposited in the heart arteries, increasing the chances of heart diseases by 57 percent. For the study, experts analyzed data from 21 studies involving 292,454 participants who were followed for more than a decade. Their findings revealed no association between intake of non-heme iron from plants, iron supplements and non-meat sources and coronary heart diseases.

"The observed positive association between heme iron and risk of CHD may be explained by the high bioavailability of heme iron and its role as the primary source of iron in iron-replete participants," the researchers wrote in the press release. "Heme iron is absorbed at a much greater rate in comparison to non-heme iron (37 percent vs. 5 percent). Once absorbed, it may contribute as a catalyst in the oxidation of LDLs, causing tissue-damaging inflammation, which is a potential risk factor for CHD."

According to the National Health Institute, the daily intake of iron in men and women must not exceed beyond 13.5 milligrams and 20.5 milligrams, respectively.

The study explained that overtime the body hoards enough iron content that can be reduced by loss of blood through bleeding, blood donation and menstruation. Drinking beverages like coffee and tea can also restrict iron absorption in the body.

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute CHD are the number of cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. Changing lifestyle, dietary habits and involving in physical activity helps ward off the disease risk. Patients of CHD must get regular checkups to see their cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure are normal.

More information is available online in the journal of Nutrition.