According to a study conducted by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, people who consume at least two ounces of processed meat a day have a 50% increased risk of contracting T2D, while those who consume at least four ounces of unprocessed meat daily have a 20% increased risk.
The study consisted of validated food frequency questionnaires and multiple follow-ups that were distributed to over 200,000 people, over periods between 14-28 years.
Although the surveys focused mainly on each individual’s dietary intake, researchers also considered other lifestyle factors that could affect risk levels.
Although this epidemiological study does not provide any actual evidence of cause and effect, coauthor Frank Hu and his colleagues suggest that results could be due to the high iron content of red meat.
Previous research has shown that high levels of iron can increase inflammatory chemicals, which can potentially destroy insulin-producing beta cells. Abnormally low levels of insulin cause unhealthy glucose build-ups in the blood, which is the basis of diabetes.
Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
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