Health for Body Mind and Soul

Meat Consumption and Increased Risk of Diabetes

A recent review published in the journal Diabetologia further substantiates the evidence which links meat consumption to increased risk for diabetes. Individuals consuming the most meat had the greatest risk of type 2 diabetes. Individuals consuming red meat had a 21% increased risk, and those consuming processed meat had a 41% increased risk. The study was based on a systematic review of a compilation of data from 12 previous studies (PCRM).

Aune D, Ursin G, Veierod MB. Meat consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Diabetologia. 2009;52:2277-2287.

Eliminating Meat from Diet Improves Mood

According information shared in a poster presentation by researchers at Arizona University at the annual American Public Health Association conference, meat eaters who eliminate all meat from their diets experience improvements in their mood. The researchers divided 39 omnivorous (meat eaters) participants into three groups. A control group who made no changes in the amount of meat they consumed in their diet; a group that ate fish three to four times a week, but ate no other meats, and a vegetarian group that ate no meat or eggs. Participants in the vegetarian group experienced improvements in mood and also in the categories of tension and confusion. There were no significant changes noted for the meat-eating or fish-eating participants (PCRM).

Beezhold BL, Johnston CS, Daigle DR. Restriction of flesh foods in omnivores improves mood: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Poster presented at: American Public Health Association’s 137th Annual Meeting and Exposition; November 9, 2009: Philadelphia, PA.