Blog: Red Meat Causes Earlier Death -- Should We Care?

Every time you think you might have a handle on life and things start to make sense, something can come along that messes up your world. This happened to me today. I read an article in the L.A. Times entitled, "All Red Meat is Risky." The first sentence of the article pulls no punches:

"Eating red meat — any amount and any type — appears to significantly increase the risk of premature death, according to a long-range study that examined the eating habits and health of more than 110,000 adults for more than 20 years."

To say that I am disappointed by these findings is an understatement. I have already drastically reduced my sugar, carbo and fat intakes and I have been far more active that I used to be. Now I have to give up all red meats? What's next? Will they find out that small amounts of chocolate cake cause an even faster death than eating red meat? What would be my purpose in life?

The study made some startling discoveries, like eating a three ounce steak (the size of a deck of cards) daily would increase your chance for an earlier death by 13%! Even worse, eating processed red meat such as a hot dog or two slices of bacon was linked to a 20% higher chance of death.

So, eat a burger, die sooner. There's a catchy new slogan for the fast food restaurants. The study does suggest substitutes for red meat, like nuts, poultry, whole grains or fish. So there are alternatives as long as you aren't a red meat fanatic.

Just recently I heard how harmful carbonated sodas are, so I only drink one or two a week now instead of one a day. I found out that "pink slime" is prevalent in processed beef and chicken at times so I no longer go near those products. I recently read a study that outlined the dangers of drinking too much coffee, so I am down to only two cups a day. If I get any older, I think all that will be left for me to eat will be cheerios and oatmeal!

Giving up red meat is not really a hardship for me. I seldom eat it. But, yes, occasionally I do like a hamburger or a nice steak. Now I have to think twice about that. But then I think about my extended family. My grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins in the Midwest eat red meat on an average of six days a week and they have all lived into their late 80's to mid-90's. So is red meat bad for everyone or do family genes balance it out?

I do not suggest that people should ignore this study and eat red meat as they wish, but I plan to continue eating the occasional burger or steak when the mood hits me. I think at some point (maybe when I reach 80) I may even ignore all studies and just go with what seems right. When you get to a certain age I think you can just let common sense rule and let the chips fall where they may. If I check out a few years sooner than planned, at least I'll go with a smile and I won't be constipated from too much oatmeal and cheerios!