This Is Why You Might Want to Eat Less Red Meat

Red meat offers solid nutritional benefits: It's high in quality protein and a good source of B vitamins, iron and zinc. On the other hand, it's high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which are linked to cardiovascular disease. So, what's the verdict on red meat — and how often should you really be forking into a marbled steak?

Read more: 7 Popular Protein Myths Totally Busted by Science

The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends avoiding processed meat and limiting your consumption of red meat to 12 to 18 ounces weekly. Based on a three-ounce serving size, that works out to four to six servings of red meat weekly. However, if you have a family history of heart disease, it's best to speak to a medical professional (such as a registered dietitian) about a customized meal plan and how you can include red meat in your diet.

Red meat contains saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, so make sure to limit portions so that the total amount in your diet remains within the recommended daily intakes. Check the nutrition label on the meat you buy because fat content varies depending on the type and cut of meat. Various cuts of beef, veal, pork and lamb contain 55 to 130 milligrams of cholesterol in a three-ounce serving, according to the USDA's reports on beef and veal and pork and lamb. Saturated fat ranges from one to 10 grams.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends getting 5 to 6 percent of calories from saturated fat. So if you're on a 1,500-calorie diet, you should consume no more than 10 grams of saturated fat daily (since each gram of fat contains nine calories). To put that into perspective, one three-ounce serving of cooked rib roast alone will provide 10 grams of saturated fat.

When red meat is cooked at high temperatures, such as grilling and pan-frying, two substances linked to cancer risk are produced: heterocyclic amines, or HCAs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs. A study published in the January 2008 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention concluded that consuming red meat that was cooked to well and very well done significantly increased the risk of prostate cancer. Plus, an October 2013 study in Nutrition and Cancer found that HCAs and PAHs from red meat may also increase the risk of developing colon cancer.

A June 2019 study published in the BMJ that looked at the health data of 53,553 women and 27,916 men without heart disease found a link between the condition and unprocessed red meat. Participants who indulged in more red meat over an eight-year period were more likely to die during the subsequent eight years.

The researchers discovered that increasing processed meat intake by as little as half a daily serving or more was associated with a 13 percent higher risk of mortality, while upping unprocessed meat intake by the same amount increased mortality risk by 9 percent. Specifically, just one additional daily serving of processed meat over eight years was linked to a 19 percent higher risk of death from heart disease.

Other research on red meat and heart disease has been less conclusive. A June 2010 meta-analysis published in Circulation found that unprocessed red meat is not associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease or diabetes. People who ate red meat eight times weekly did not have a higher incidence of either disease than those who ate meat once a week or less. However, processed meats contributed to both diseases. Every daily serving of processed meat increased the risk of heart disease by 42 percent and the risk of diabetes by 19 percent.

Any meat that contains preservatives or is preserved by smoking, curing or salting is processed meat, according to Harvard Health Publishing. A few examples include hot dogs, bacon, sausage and luncheon meats.

Read more: The Carnivore Diet: Is Going All-Meat Right for You?

With that said, it's best to err on the side of caution and keep your processed meat intake to a bare minimum because processed meats contain more heart-harming preservatives and sodium, according to Harvard Health. And remember to limit your consumption of unprocessed red meats to no more than 18 ounces weekly per the American Institute for Cancer Research's recommendations.