Red and Processed Meat Consumption Endangers Global Health

Rising red and processed meat consumption around the world negatively impacts lower socioeconomic groups, according to a report published online in The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. The report states that, while red and processed meat intake remains high in high-income countries, consumption of these meats is increasing in lower-income countries across Latin American, East Asia, and elsewhere. Those with higher income occupations tend to eat less red processed meats when compared to those in other economic groups, increasing the risk for low-income groups for noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. The report recommends strategies to maintain traditional diets and shift away from red and processed meat consumption to prevent further environmental degradation and lower disease rates worldwide.

Recently, the World Health Organization declared red and processed meats “carcinogenic to humans,” and observed an increased risk for pancreatic, stomach, and other cancers. Learn more about the dangers of processed meats at DropTheHotDog.org.