Red and Processed Meat Linked to Cancer, Cognitive Decline, and Chronic Illness

New research highlights serious health risks tied to meat consumption. Studies show links between red meat and chronic diseases, while processed game meat carries additional dangers, including cancer and parasites. The World Health Organization has classified processed game meat as carcinogenic. Just 50 grams of meat daily increases cancer risk by 18%. Repeated studies also connect red meat to diabetes, frailty, cardiovascular disease, and mental decline.

A study in the Annals of Neurology found that the brains of frequent meat eaters age faster. Women who ate mostly saturated fats scored lower on cognitive tests. Those who consumed unsaturated fats instead showed stronger mental performance.

In Canada, selling game meat from amateur hunters in restaurants or shops is generally banned due to health concerns. Unregulated game meat can contain parasites, toxins, and ammunition residues. Hunting methods like driven hunts often produce lower-quality meat with higher contamination risks. Meat consumption is associated with higher risks of physical and mental illness. Processed and unregulated game meat poses additional threats, including cancer and parasitic infections. These findings underscore the need for caution in meat intake and handling.