Red meat – such as beef, lamb and pork – is a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals, and can form part of a balanced diet. But eating a lot of red and
processed meat increases your risk of bowel (colorectal) cancer. That's why it's recommended that people who eat more than 90g (cooked weight) of red and processed meat a day cut down to 70g or less. This could help reduce your risk of bowel cancer. Other healthier lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight,
keeping active and not smoking can also reduce your risk. Red meat and processed meatRed meat includes:
It does not include:
Processed meat is meat that's been preserved by smoking, curing, salting or adding preservatives. This includes:
Recommendations for red and processed meatAdultsIf you eat more than 90g of red or processed meat a day, it's recommended that you reduce your intake to 70g or less a day. You can do this by eating smaller portions of red and processed meat, eating these meats less often or swapping them for alternatives. If you eat more than 90g of red and processed meat on a certain day, you can eat less on the following days or have meat-free days so that the average amount you eat each day is no more than 70g. ChildrenChildren over 5 should eat a balanced diet, as shown in the proportions on the Eatwell Guide. This should include meat or other sources of protein. Children do not need as much food as adults, and the amount they need depends on their age and size. For babies and children under 5, get advice on introducing them to white and red meat, and other solid foods. Portion sizes and cutting downThese average examples of the weight of various cooked meat products can help you find out how much red and processed meat you eat. The amount in grams represents the cooked weight:
Cutting downYou can cut down on red and processed meat by eating smaller portions, and by eating them less often. The following swaps could help:
You could also swap lamb or beef mince for turkey or vegetarian mince in your spaghetti bolognese, lasagne and chilli con carne. Try to have a meat-free day each week. Swap red or processed meat for fish or shellfish, or have a vegetarian meal. Can too much meat cause blood in stool?A diet high in red meat may increase the chance of developing diverticulitis. Colon polyps: Colon polyps are growths on the rectum or colon lining, and they can also cause GI bleeding. Foods that may increase the risk of colon polyps include fatty and fried foods, red meat, and processed meat.
How does red meat affect poop?A juicy steak or burger once in a while can be a healthy addition to your diet, but eating red meat daily can contribute to constipation. Red meat has no fiber. Fiber is needed because it adds bulk to stool so it moves through your system smoothly.
Can red foods look like blood in stool?If you stool is red or black, it might not be from blood. Certain foods may cause your stools to look red. These include cranberries, tomatoes, beets, or food that is dyed red. Other foods may cause your stools to look black.
Can red meat cause black stool?Eating foods naturally high in iron, such as dark leafy greens, red meats, and fish, does not cause darkened stool. Stool will remain black for as long as the person uses iron supplements.
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