The Health Risks of Meat Consumption

Do you find yourself digging around for that last drop of beef in the Shabbos cholent pot? Dig this: all the beans you’re passing might be the real Shabbos treats!

Almost daily, new reports are released describing the serious health risks of meat consumption. Harvard and National Cancer Institute researchers have recently added to data showing the link between meat consumption and premature death. One must wonder if based upon the Biblical obligation to guard our health (Deuteronomy 4:15), we must inquire as to whether it is now forbidden to consume meat on the grounds of health alone, not to mention ethics.

Meat was already dangerous for human consumption even prior to the injection of antibiotics into the animals. Red meat consumption has been linked to higher levels of cancer and cardiovascular disease (heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis). A landmark 2009 study, the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study, examined more than half a million men and women age 50-71 years over a 10-year period. Results showed conclusively that daily consumption of red meat resulted in a higher risk of overall mortality as well as mortality due to cardiovascular disease and cancer, with higher consumption of red meat correlated with higher risk of earlier death. People with the highest consumption of red meat had the ” title=”http://harvardmagazine.com/2012/01/a-diabetes-link-to-meat” target=”_blank”>Harvard School of Public Health have now found that there is also an increased risk of type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes. Eating one hot dog a day (50 g of processed meat), for example, produced a ” title=”http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2012/04/24/steak-of-the-art-the-fatal-flaws-of-in-vitro-meat/” target=”_blank”>in-vitro meat (lab created!) may have serious health concerns as well. However there are plenty of bean, nut, grain, and vegetable alternatives to meat where one can attain all of the necessary protein, iron, and vitamins and nutrients needed for a balanced diet. These options have the added benefit of reducing your risk for early death. For example, researchers from the ” title=”http://shamayimvaretz.org/” target=”_blank”>The Shamayim V’Aretz Institute, the new Jewish vegan movement and the Founder & President of ” title=”http://www.thedailybeast.com/galleries/2012/04/02/america-s-top-50-rabbis-for-2012.html#slide40″ target=”_blank”>most influential rabbis in America.