Especially convincing was a review of 7,000 studies led by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research that ultimately showed a significant relationship between the consumption of processed meats and an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

1. Meat Linked to Colon Cancer
I've said many times that adopting more of a vegetarian diet is
essential to living a long, healthy, and disease-free life.
Now I can understand that some people have a fixation with their
meat and are adamant about getting their daily dose but recent
research proves yet again that such dietary choices increase your risk
of cancer (amongst other problems)!
Especially convincing was a review of 7,000 studies led by the World
Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research
that ultimately showed a significant relationship between the
consumption of processed meats and an increased risk of
colorectal cancer.
Specifically, every 48 grams (1.5 ounces) consumed a day elevated
the risk of cancer 21%.
The 517-page study also concluded that the intake of heavy meats
(beef, lamb, veal, pork, goat) boosted the risk of colorectal
cancer and therefore they recommended consuming less than 500
grams (18 ounces) per week.
I personally take it one step further and recommend eating meat no
more than twice a week.
Other studies have also shown that processed meats increase the risk
of breast, lung, prostate, stomach, and pancreatic cancers!
How Does Meat Cause Cancer???
There are several ways in which processed meats contribute to cancer.
First, as I mention in my book Eating for Energy, meats are highly

2. acid-forming in the body. And, an acidic internal environment is highly
correlated with the development of cancer and other diseases.
Second, cooking meats to high temperatures forms heterocyclic
amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, compounds shown to
cause colon tumours in animals.
Third, processed meats (ie. deli meats) are also highly packed with
sodium nitrite - a preservative added to meat to prevent botulism
and give meats their red colour. The problem arises during cooking
when these nitrites begin to react with other compounds in the meat
to form cancer-causing nitrosamines and nitrosamides.
So What's the Bottom Line?
Well, I hope that it's pretty obvious after reading all the information
above that eating meat on a daily basis doens't do your body good. In
fact, it does it quite a bit of harm!
I find it sad that we're all brought up believing that meat needs to be
an integral part of our diet. But as the strongest and healthiest
animals and longest living people keep reminding us it's all about
eating more natural plant based foods.
Vegetables, fruit, and healthy grains is where its at!
Need help moving away from meat? Get your copy of Eating for
Energy today!
Your friend and coach,
Yuri