A penchant for eating meat, especially red and processed kinds like sausages and bacon, has long been associated with an increased risk of developing a range of diseases, including bowel cancer.
But now, a large study from researchers at the University of Oxford has looked at meat consumption in relation to a slew of other non-cancerous diseases not previously considered.
The study of 475,000 UK adults, published in BMC Medicine, found participants who tucked into red and processed meat three or more times a week were at increased risk of ischaemic heart disease, pneumonia, diabetes, diverticular disease and colon polyps. While a higher consumption of poultry was found to be associated with higher risks of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, gastritis and duodenitis (inflammation in the small intestine), diverticular disease (which affects the large intestine), gallbladder disease, and diabetes.
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Other benefits of having more meat-free days
While additional research is needed, the study does indicate another strike against a diet reliant on meat. So, aside from health reasons, why else should you opt for more meat-free days each week?
1. It’ll save you some cash. Eating meat, especially good quality meat, can be expensive. Veg, beans and grains – on the other hand tend – to be good value, while still being nutritious and filling.
2. It’ll encourage you to be more creative in the kitchen. There’s not much you need to do to a slab of steak, apart from season it, but when it comes to a slab of aubergine, celeriac, mushroom – there’s so much more you can do, so much more flavour you can apply. And you can still have fries on the side.
3. It’s a chance to try vegetables you’ve never had before. Jerusalem artichokes, kohlrabi, chicory and purple sprouting broccoli are currently in season. Not had them before? Now’s your moment.
Measure your #MeatFreeMonday impact! With a little help from our friends at @DarwinChallApp, we’ve launched a new calculator tool to show how our diets affect animals, people and planet. Images by @janinerewell https://t.co/lHGZ0vcjom pic.twitter.com/gRn9uV7DHA
— Meat Free Monday (@MeatFreeMonday) March 1, 2021
4. Your kids won’t ask so many awkward questions about what farmyard animals you’re making them eat. Instead, you’ll probably end up in a conversation on why they do actually have to eat the green things on their plate. You win some, you lose some…
5. You’ll feel more environmentally-friendly. There’s no denying the ecological benefits of going meat-free, even just one day a week. Cutting your meat consumption can help support climate change efforts, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the amount of resources – like water and land, including vital natural carbon sinks – used in its production. Imagine what good you can do by going meat-free more than once a week.
6. You’ll be supporting biodiversity. Eating less meat can help reduce habitat decline and the clearance of wild habitat, while opting for organic veg where possible, means supporting pesticide-free farming, which in turn is good for bees and other pollinating insects. Join the big cycle of life.
A world where people eat more #plantbased food will benefit our planet & our health!🌍
It doesn’t need to be difficult or compromise on taste either & over the next month keep your 👀 peeled for some super tasty & super quick lunch inspo! #PlantbasedSimplicity #AppetiteForChange pic.twitter.com/5ZAPLsNH4y
— Merchant Gourmet (@merchantgourmet) February 22, 2021
7. It’s an opportunity to support veg producers. Be it a company that redistributes surplus vegetables (like Oddbox), a local farmer or that independent grocer you’ve always meant to visit, but haven’t gotten round to, there’ll be more fridge space to fill – fill it wisely.
8. Your veggie friends will appreciate it when you can (eventually) host post-lockdown dinner parties. Never again will you consider a risotto or salad a fair meal for a veggie friend. When we can finally have people over again, you’ll have the skills to put on a full vegetarian feast that your meat-eating mates will appreciate too.
Best-selling vegetarian cookbooks
Stuck for inspiration? Check out our list of best-selling Amazon products!
- Hardcover Book
- Alan Rosenthal (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Ed: Leanne Bryan (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 240 Pages - 06/01/2015 (Publication Date) - Hamlyn (Publisher)
- Hardcover Book
- Bikers, Hairy (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Veg: Easy & Delicious Meals for Everyone as seen on Channel 4's Meat Free Meals
- Product type: ABIS BOOK
- Brand: Penguin Books Ltd
- Breaks down the three factors that create flavour and offer innovative vegetable dishes
- Combines simple recipes for weeknights, low-effort high-impact dishes, and standout meals for the relaxed cook
- Packed with signature colourful photography
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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