Some health experts on Wednesday urged consumers to avoid too much intake of red meat to prevent the risk of developing cancer and heart-related diseases.
Dr Demilade Idowu, the Managing Director of a health outfit, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that regular consumption of red meat, especially the processed meat, could lead to premature death.
“It is advisable that choosing more healthy sources of protein in place of red meat can reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases.
“Lives would be saved if people can replace red meat with fish, poultry meat, nuts and plant-based protein foods,“ she said.
Also, Dr Olaleye Adewale, a medical practitioner at the General Hospital, Gbagada, said that excess red meat intake could increase the risk of contracting esophageal, lung, pancreatic and endometrial cancer.
“Consumption of too much red meat can also result in breast cancer, stomach cancer, lymphoma, bladder cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer.
“Intolerance occurs when the body is unable to process the proteins found in red meat and because proteins remain undigested, it causes inflammation and irritation to the lining of the intestines.
“The intake of red meat should be reduced to less than 300g cooked weight per week, and go for the leaner cuts and use healthier cooking methods such as grilling,“ he said.
Dr Femi Afolabi, a dietician at the Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti in Ekiti, said that red meat naturally contains more fat, saturated fat and cholesterol than any other food.
‘’Excess of these lipids in the body is directly responsible for numerous cardiovascular issues, including coronary heart disease and high blood pressure,’’ he said.
Afolabi said that red meat was good, but should not be taken everyday.
“ People need red meat, it is a source of iron in foods, but its excess can be dangerous, “ the dietician added. (NAN)