Experts Say To Avoid Processed Meat, Eat More Plants To Cut Cancer Risk

The WCRF recommends little to no consumption of red and processed meats

A new report aimed at preventing cancer advises against processed meat consumption entirely - and recommends a diet 'rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes'.

Risk factors

The preventative guide, released by The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), offers ten key suggestions for reducing cancer risk.

While the WCRF recommends limiting red meat intake, it is advised that 'little, if any' processed meat should be consumed - and that iron and protein are both nutrients readily available in plant foods.

This follows a study released earlier this year which says consumption of 'ultra processed' foods, processed meat inclusive, results in greater health risks overall - including that of breast cancer.

The WCRF recommends physical activity to decrease cancer risk

Prevention

Aside from a list of substances to avoid - which also includes alcohol and sugary drinks - the WCRF's guideline includes proactive measures one can take to reduce cancer risk.

The recommendations include consuming diet 'rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes', maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active.

Diet and weight

Data suggests that the dietary recommendations alone could, in turn, foster a healthy body weight - as the WCRF found a 'Western-type diet' high in meat to be associated with weight gain and obesity.

This is further supported the findings of other recent studies, including that of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, in which researchers found a plant-based diet to be a more effective weight loss tool than a calorically equivalent diet containing animal products.

The WCRF's Dr. Giota Mitrou said: "Our cancer prevention recommendations work together as a blueprint to beat cancer that people can trust, because they are based on evidence that has now proved consistent for decades."

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