Meat Myths
Health, nutrition, and misinformation: separating fact from fiction.
What is the origin of myths about meat?
Over the past decades, changes in nutrition science, access to food, and environmental concerns have helped shape different narratives around meat consumption, often simplified in public debate.
Does red meat cause cancer?
Do you know what red meat and working in hair salons have in common? Both are classified as probably carcinogenic. Learn more about the myth behind the association between meat and cancer.
Does red meat cause cardiovascular disease?
Scientific studies indicate that cardiovascular risk is more closely related to overall dietary patterns and lifestyle than to the isolated consumption of red meat, especially when distinguishing between unprocessed and ultra-processed products.
Terms to understand about meat
Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids
Types of fatty acids found in foods, with different chemical structures that influence their properties and functions in the body.
Protein metabolism
The body’s processes involved in the digestion, absorption, and use of proteins for energy production and tissue building.
Food matrix
The physical and chemical structure of food that influences digestion, nutrient absorption, and its effects on the body.
Maillard reaction
A chemical reaction between proteins and sugars that occurs during heating and is responsible for the flavor, aroma, and color of cooked foods.