The research, conducted by experts from the University of Minnesota, determined the results by examining the eating habits of nearly 10,000 people. The study showed that a daily diet consisting of two portions of red meat results in a 26 percent increase in the susceptibility to a condition known as metabolic syndrome.
Made to choose between a "Western-pattern" diet -- refined grains, processed meat, fried food, red meat, eggs, soda, as well as a decreased amount of fish, fruit, vegetables and whole grains - and a "prudent-pattern" - vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage, carotenoid vegetables, fruit, fish, seafood, poultry, whole grains, and low-fat dairy -- participants who preferred the former showed up with an 18 percent higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
HealthDay reported that the nine-year observation of all the participants revealed that 60.5 percent either was experiencing the condition, or developed it at some point during the follow-up medical examinations.
The results seemed to have fallen in congruence to a previous set of data gathered by the U.S. government between 1988 and 1994, where 24 percent of adult Americans were found with the metabolic condition. However, the experts surmise a higher number to be counted today.
Study co-author Lyn Steffen recommended a limit on the daily amount of red and processed meat.
"I'm not saying don't eat it at all, but eat a variety of foods in moderation," she told the Minnesota Public Radio.
