Even though the number of vegetarians in India is high, a large number of people also eat non-vegetarian food. According to the National Family Health Survey 4, 70% of women and 78% of men in India eat meat. However, some surveys show that 23% to 37% of the population is vegetarian, which means 63% to 77% of people are non-vegetarians. But, did you know that regular consumption of red meat can have a negative impact on health? What is red meat? Red meat includes red meat such as mutton, pork, beef, chicken, fish and eggs. These foods may be rich in important nutrients such as protein, iron and B vitamins, but excessive consumption of them can harm health. Health effects of red meat In a conversation with the Only My Health team, it is said that daily consumption of red meat can increase the risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some types of cancer. In particular, consuming processed red meat such as sausages and bacon can increase cholesterol levels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The saturated fat and cholesterol in red meat can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. A 2020 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that those who ate more processed meat, unprocessed red meat, or poultry were more likely to die from heart disease or any cause after following more 29,000 adults for an average of 19 years. Fish and red meat: what's the difference? The study also found that eating more fish had no negative effects on health. This means that fish consumption does not contribute to an increased risk of heart disease and other diseases, as red meat does. Final Words Consuming red meat can have serious health effects, especially if consumed in excessive amounts. It can increase the risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the balanced intake and quality of non-vegetarian food. To avoid health problems, it is better to seek expert advice in this regard and follow a healthy diet. Two Teenagers Killed, Four Injured in Car-Motorcycle Collision in Jammu and Kashmir Congress Leaders Vie for Chief Minister Position Amid Siddaramaiah's Legal Challenge Rahul Gandhi Begins US Tour: Engages in Discussions and Interactions Across Texas