Cancer risk in the distal colon in women is lower in those who avoid eating red meat. In a 17-year study in over 32,000 women, researchers found that those women who did not eat red meat had a reduced risk of distal colon cancer. A red meat-free diet was not protective against cancer elsewhere in the colon. Researchers believe that red meat could be protective against distal colon cancer, but more research is needed to make this diet-disease relationship conclusive. International Journal of Cancer
→Takeaway: Paleo and ketogenic diets that focus on increased meat consumption are glorified across the blogosphere. This study is an important reminder that meat, and especially red meat, in the diet are often correlated with increased disease risk (meat crowds out disease fighting, plant-based foods!). So, if you are consuming meat, eat it sparingly and think of it as a compliment to the meal – not the main attraction.
