According to a new study on red meat, you may not have to give up steaks and burgers after all.
A team of international researchers found the increased risks to cancer and heart disease from eating red meat are small and uncertain. They say cutting back on red meat likely isn't worth it for those who enjoy eating meat.
The authors of the study do not say eating red meat and processed meats like hot dogs and bacon is healthy or that people should eat more of them. But they admit the evidence is weak, and that there's not much certainty meat is really the culprit of some of the health issues it’s credited with. Other diet and lifestyle factors could be at play. Here's what some New Yorkers have to say about these findings.
"I have read the statistics yet but I think it's good news that we can all eat more hamburgers,” said one person.
“I'm still going to eat it in moderation and you'll be fine. But it is interesting they keep changing the research on everyone too," said another.
“I'm not going to change because these studies go back and forth with red meat, with coffee, with everything. One week it's this way, one week it's that way, so I'm not really gonna change," another person added.
A group of prominent US scientists attacked the study; they took the unusual step of trying to stop its publication. They argued that because about a third of Americans eat at least one serving of red meat a day, it would be beneficial for them to cut back.