HEALTH:Red Meat now linked to cancer

Red meat may be linked with cancer because it contains a chemical that is unnatural to the human body, scientists say.

Previous studies have linked red-meat consumption to a number of cancers, especially colorectal, breast, prostate, ovarian and lung cancers. 

Now, U.S. researchers believe the culprit is a sugar molecule called Neu5Gc, found in beef, pork and lamb.

When eaten, the body sees it as a foreign substance - and the immune system attacks it.This leads to inflammation in the body, which over time is known to promote the formation of tumours.

Dr Varki said : 'Of course, moderate amounts of red meat can be a source of good nutrition for young people.
'We hope that our work will eventually lead the way to practical solutions for this catch-22.'
In fact, selective breeding could allow farmers to reduce the amount of NEu5Gc in meat, and it may be possible to develop an antidote to counteract the cancer risk.
How Red Meat Causes Cancer
The sugar molecule Neu5Gc is found in red meat such as pork, beef and lamb.It is not found naturally in humans, but it is in most other mammals.
Because of this, it is unnatural to the human body.
When humans eat meat, the molecule pervades tissues.
The immune system attacks it, causing inflammation.
Over time inflammation has been shown to cause tumours to form.
Previous studies have linked red-meat consumption to a number of cancers, especially colorectal, breast, prostate, ovarian and lung cancers.

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