SciAdv: red meat is dangerous to both your health and the environment

Scientists from Beijing Medical University have confirmed that consumption of red meat increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, and its production leaves a strong ecological footprint, the journal Science Advances (SciAdv) reports.

Chinese researchers said that the production of beef, lamb and pork has a devastating impact on the environment that exceeds the damage from all other foods. This impact of human activity on nature is called the ecological footprint. According to them, it calls for immediate changes in dietary approaches.

Scientists specified that animal husbandry is accompanied by huge greenhouse gas emissions, pollutes water and soil, leads to deforestation and loss of biodiversity on the planet.

Medical statistics confirms the danger of red meat for health: its regular consumption increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 40% and cancer by 25%. At the same time, plant-based foods have the opposite effect - the lower their ecological footprint, the more health benefits they bring.

Chinese scientists recommend gradually reducing meat consumption, especially in regions with intensive livestock farming, replacing it with legumes, grains and vegetable proteins. Experts believe that this approach will help reduce the burden on the ecosystem and improve public health.