According to the US published study, the increased intake of red and processed meat is associated with high risk of diabetes and heart stroke, but these results are of little significance, when one talks about New Zealanders.

Researchers reached the conclusion after following more than 37,000 men and two groups of women, together numbering more than 167,000, who were patients of diabetes. Their age, weight and other lifestyle factors were also considered in relation to their diabetes record.

Researchers told that the amount of meat eaten by the study volunteers were far greater than those eaten by the Kiwis. It is said that New Zealanders eat red meat within national and international guidelines, based on large amounts of scientific evidence.

Fiona Carruthers, Nutrition Manager, Beef+ Lamb New Zealand commented after knowing the results of the study, "Like every well-designed study, the results raise more questions than answers, and do not, at this early stage, change advice about eating patterns for optimum health. Kiwis should therefore continue to enjoy red meat 3-4 times a week as part of an overall healthy lifestyle”.

Lean meat is considered to be a healthy diet, not only because it is low fat food but also as it contains different nutrients like protein, iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin D and a range of B vitamins. Researchers has also informed if low-fat dairy products, nuts or whole grains are taken instead of red meat, then it could reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.