Archive · 2 Sep 2025
Red Meat Consumption Risks: Heart Disease, Diabetes, and More
Eating red meat, like steaks and burgers, is very popular.
Red meat has vitamins and protein, like Vitamin B12, iron, and zinc, which are good for you.
But, eating too much of certain types of red meat, like bacon, ham, and salami, can be bad.
Studies show that eating even a little bit of these processed meats every day can make you more likely to get heart problems or diabetes.
This is because they often have a lot of fat and salt.
So, while some red meat can be okay, it's important to be careful about how much processed meat you eat.
63-74% of people in North America consume red or processed meat.
Red meat is a source of Vitamin B12, iron, and protein.
Bacon, ham, and salami are red meats associated with health risks.
Increased consumption of processed meats raises the risk of heart disease.
Regular intake of processed meat may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Who
- Studies performed by The Nuffield Department of Population Health at the University of Oxford, and research published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.
- What
- Examined the health implications of red meat consumption, specifically processed meats such as bacon, ham and salami.
- When
- 2021
- Where
- North America
- Why
- To investigate the impact of red meat consumption on health, including risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
- Red Meat Consumers in North America
- 63-74% (as of 2021 study)
- Daily Recommended Protein Intake (CDC)
- Information not available
- Red Meat Protein Content (per ounce)
- 7 grams
- Processed Meat Intake and Heart Disease Risk
- 50g/day increase = 18% higher risk
- Processed Meat Intake and Type 2 Diabetes Risk
- 50 grams/day = 15% higher risk