A new study has shown what doctors and health experts have been
saying for years, that too much red meat, such as fatty steaks and lamb
chops, lead to an increased risk of heart disease.
It turns out, it’s not so much the cholesterol or saturated fat
that’s to blame, according to the study, published in Nature Medicine.
It’s a compound found in red meat called carnitine that’s linked to
clogged arteries. The bacteria in our guts convert carnitine into a
harmful chemical called TMAO that can thicken the arteries.
Though
recommendations to cut back on red meat may be nothing new, limiting
how much red meat you eat can keep your heart healthier. The study also
indicated that it’s not just red meat we need to watch out for:
Carnitine is a popular dietary supplement commonly found in weight-loss
products and energy drinks.
Overall, the findings reinforces
advice to switch to a Mediterranean-style diet for better heart health —
nixing processed food and red meat for an uptick in fish, fruits and
vegetables. Based on this study, that’s probably the way to go.
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