Many of the observational studies performed do show an association of red meat consumption with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). More data is needed.
Unprocessed and processed red meat consumption are both associated with higher risk of CVD, CVD subtypes, and DM2.
The World Health Organization has classified processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen for humans and red meat as Group 2A, probably carcinogenic to humans, which means both types of meat could harm human health.
The researchers were from Hong Kong and indicated their concerns about trends in the local diet. "Meat imports in Hong Kong continue to rise, reflecting growing meat consumption in Hong Kong. If Hong Kong people continue to increase meat consumption, we may see a similar situation to what we see in the US, Europe and Australia, with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes."
The largest study ever performed lends strong nutrition guidance to reducing or avoiding all red meats. The study did not analyze the difference between factory farmed animal production versus grassfed or the difference between organic and conventional farming methods but there is no credible evidence to suggest the risk would disappear with the less available of often more expensive selections.
