Not Too Much, Now

Too much red meat could be bad for your kidneys, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition this week. People who eat a lot of red meat may have a higher risk for kidney cancer, Reuters reports. The study found that middle-aged adults who ate the most meat — about 113 grams per day — were 19 percent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer compared to people who ate less than 28 grams per day, Reuters adds. In particular, red meat that is grilled or barbecued — and therefore contains higher levels of chemicals — was also linked to a higher risk of cancer. The researchers, a team from the National Cancer Institute, analyzed data from about 500,000 adults aged 50 or older. After accounting for other aspects of diet and lifestyle that could also account for higher cancer risk, the team found an association between red meat and papillary kidney cancers. However, Reuters adds, the study doesn't prove that red meat causes kidney cancer, and the researchers say people should eat a limited amount.