Experts have warned that if a person eats a lot of red meat, they increase their chances of experiencing a life-threatening stroke. They might have an ischemic stroke because of the blockage in their blood vessels caused by protein.
It was discovered by researchers in Germany that people who had an increased red meat intake have a higher risk of the condition. They raise their chances by 47 percent compared to individuals who eat the least.
"It's ok to eat red meat - preferably lean red meat - as long as you limit the amount," said Dr Bernhard Haring at the University of Wurzburg in Germany.
The researchers analyzed results of 11,000 middle-aged people and followed half the group for 23 years. They were individuals who didn't exhibit risk factors for strokes.
The research suggests that red meat can ultimately heighten the risk.
Dr Haring and his team reviewed the information from questionnaires about diet from individuals, aging 45-64, in the United States since 1987. They wanted to evaluate the connection between protein intake and stroke.
The study was divided into 5 different groups based on their intake of protein and the kind that they consumed. They monitored them until 2011.
The researchers found that the people with less protein consumption are less likely to be obese or take medications for lowering cholesterol.
The results were remarkable. 699 strokes among the 11, 601 who participated in the study. The study proved that there is a 24 percent risk of stroke for those who eat processed meats. Bacon, sausage and jerky are just a few examples.
With men, the group who consumed a lot of red meat had a 62 percent risk than those who ate less.
At this point, only red meats are associated to ischemic strokes.
'This study really tells us that what we eat matters for our future cardiovascular health,' Dr Dearborn-Tomazos said.
