Those who no longer consume red meat reduce their risk of serious heart disease after just three to four weeks

Why red meat has a negative effect on heart health

Intestinal bacteria produce substances that promote cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, in the digestion of red meat. Those who refrain from eating red meat in their diets can significantly reduce these harmful substances within three to four weeks and thus also the risk of heart disease. These are the key findings of a recent study of Cleveland Clinic, one of America's best hospitals.

A research group from the Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute recently looked at the impact of red meat consumption on human digestion and health. The team found that intestinal bacteria produce more of the compound trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) during the digestion of red meat. High levels of TMAO in the organism are associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, according to the researchers. The study results have recently been published in the "European Heart Journal".

Burger, steak, minced meat and sausage - red meat is popular, but unfortunately also harmful, as a recent study shows again. (Image: MIGUEL GARCIA SAAVED / fotolia.com)

Red meat influences our digestive processes

While recognizing that red meat is not healthy is not new, the researchers at Cleveland Clinic are providing a fresh and detailed insight into the processes of digestion and the relationship between red meat consumption and heart health. So far, fats and cholesterol have been primarily responsible for the harmful effects. The research team around Dr. Stanley Hazen now shows another harmful component that arises during the digestive process of red meat.

What do intestinal bacteria have to do with heart health??

As the researchers report, intestinal bacteria produce a harmful compound called trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) when they digest the substances choline, lecithin and carnitine. These compounds are found mainly in red meat and liver, but also in other animal products. Cleveland Clinic physicians explain that high TMAO is a warning sign of impending heart disease and increased risk of death.

The more red meat, the higher the TMAO value

The research also showed that the more red meat eaten, the higher the TMAO value. Those who buy 25 percent of their daily calories from red meat have two to three times the amount of TMAO in the body, such as those who eat vegetarian or white meat.

Double negative effect

For the study, participants agreed to purchase 25 percent of their daily calories from red meat over a period of time. During this time they were monitored for their health. In addition to the elevated TMAO values, it was also shown that the kidneys could no longer effectively remove the harmful compounds when the TMAO concentration was too high. Thus, the red meat consumption not only ensured that more TMAO compounds in the body are - they also remained longer in the organism.

The good news

However, the research group also has good news for meat eaters: after the participants had finished the diet with red meat, the TMAO values ​​dropped back to a normal level within three to four weeks. "This means that we can change the risk of heart disease by changing our diet," Dr. Hazen in the press release on the study results.

White meat showed less harmful effects

Participants who received their protein from white meat or from plant sources showed significantly lower TMAO levels and better kidney function, according to the study. Researchers recommend that red meat be avoided for the benefit of heart health. "We know that lifestyle factors are critical to the health of cardiovascular disease," says Hazen. The study provides further evidence of how dietary measures can be used as an effective treatment strategy. (Vb)