Some new research suggests that there may be a link between breast cancer and the amount of red meat women consume. Researchers said that having "one-and-a-half servings of red meat per day almost doubled the risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer compared to three or fewer per week." The conclusion was drawn from data from the Nurses' Health Study II, which was collected from 1989 to 2003, and where one portion of meat was defined as having a meat main dish (or major component of the name dish) at any meal, including in a sandwich, hamburger, hot dog or bacon.
There are a few reasons attributed to the increase in risk. First, some cancer-causing chemicals "such as heterocyclic amines" are created when red meat is cooked. Second, there may be a link with some of the growth hormones given to cattle. That being said, previous forays into this area have proven to be inconclusive, so even though there was a correlation it doesn't mean that anything is completely certain at this point.
Second Helping of Slashfood - June 19
Competitive-Eating Contest to Pit Humans Against Elephants
The Backyard Boom - The Hungry Bride
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-17-2006 @ 5:58PM
mJ said...
Can we eat anything these days? Didnt they say this about bread recently?Eat your meat dang it!!
Reply
11-18-2006 @ 3:47AM
Christina said...
It's probably a good time to point out that reducing red meat has been found to be a good thing in countless studies. However, the amount of hormones given to livestock has only grown. Organic might be safest at this point.
I've been a vegetarian for the last 12 years, and there are many health benefits to avoiding meat, but I understand it's not for everyone, so at least meat eaters should try to get the safest they can afford.
Reply
11-20-2006 @ 11:47AM
esmereldagrubb said...
I agree with Mj....I dont think that it is meat that causes cancer alone....there are people that eat meat as the majority of their diet who dont get cancer.
Reply
11-20-2006 @ 9:01PM
Word Diggity said...
Questions:
1. Who sponsored the study?
2. Who conducted the study (I mean the PEOPLE).
3. What's their agenda?
A couple years back someone came out with a "study" which claimed that red meat increased your chances of getting colo-rectal cancer. Turns out the person behind the study is a rabid vegan activist.
Who's behind this "study" and what's his/her/their agenda?
Reply