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It is no news for us that red meat and processed meat are bad for our health. There are various reasons why people are advised to stay away from them. They are high in cholesterol and saturated fat which makes them high in overall fat content, caloric consumption, posing a threat to heart health. They also contain high amounts of sodium, thereby increasing the absorption of salt and raising your blood pressure. Apart from this, red and processed meat is bad for men for one particular reason it increases the risk of prostate cancer.
Studies show that there is a 30 percent increases in risk of advanced prostate cancer associated with high intakes of red and processed meat. Also, a recent population-based case-control study also reported an increased risk of advanced, but not localized, prostate cancer associated with greater intake of hamburgers, processed meat, grilled red meat, and well-cooked red meat too. However, a meta-analysis of prospective studies reported no association between red or processed meat and risk of advanced prostate cancer. It is these mixed findings that makes one puzzled and think that probably consuming red and processed meat in modest amount might be fine. But it is not. Especially, if you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, eating red meat or processed meat can be damaging to your health.
Post-diagnostic consumption of beef, pork, or lamb in sandwiches or mixed dishes increases the progression of prostate cancer to an advanced stage. There is also a suggestive relation between sausages, salami and bologna and increased risk of advanced prostate cancer.
How red and processed meat affect prostate health
Processed red meats contain pre-formed N-nitroso compounds as well as nitrites and heme iron, which can lead to the formation of NOCs after oxidative damage to tissues. Now, this newly formed compound called NOCs is carcinogenic in nature. These carcinogens are associated with increased risk of advanced prostate cancer. So, having red meat and processed meat post diagnosis can speed up the growth of the cancer cells in the prostate gland and lead to an advanced level of cancer. Avoiding this kind of meats post a diagnosis is the best way to help your body cope and fight the cancer with proper treatment and guidance from the doctor.
Reference
Richman, E. L., Kenfield, S. A., Stampfer, M. J., Giovannucci, E. L., & Chan, J. M. (2011). Egg, red meat, and poultry intake and risk of lethal prostate cancer in the prostate-specific antigen-era: incidence and survival. Cancer Prevention Research.
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