You are what you meat

GOLD COASTERS need to eat more vegetables and cut down on red meat to reduce their risk of disease, says the Cancer Council Queensland.

Each year more than 3600 Gold Coasters are diagnosed with cancer. The disease claims about 1100 lives.

One of the main drivers of that is colorectal cancer, which has strong ties with processed meat. Other common cancers for the Coast include prostate, melanoma and breast cancer.

Cancer Council Queensland CEO Chris McMillan said processed meat was classed as a “group one carcinogenic to humans”, ranking it alongside noted killers such as asbestos, tobacco smoking, alcohol, plutonium, Chinese-style salted fish, soot and X and Gamma radiation.

And according to the World Health Organisation, there could also be a link between stomach cancer and consumption of processed meats.

There was also evidence of links with prostate and pancreatic cancer more generally to red meat consumption.

“Queenslanders should consume no more than three to four serves (less than 400g) of lean red meat a week,” Ms McMillan said.

“While evidence does not support complete abstinence from red meat, it does highlight the benefits of eating more fruit, vegetables and wholegrains.”

On the Gold Coast, just 6.5 per cent of locals eat enough vegetables, which is even lower than the Queensland average of 7.1 per cent, according to the 2016 Chief Health Report.

However, 60 per cent of Gold Coasters eat enough fruit.

Apple-A-Day Dietetics director Lisa Adams said it was concerning that people tended to eat larger meat portions than necessary.

“Meat is also a source of saturated fat, which can contribute to high cholesterol levels and heart disease,” she said.

“Meat is an energy-dense food, especially compared to low starch vegetables, and large portions can contribute to excessive calorie consumption and weight issues.

“Including meat-free meals or reducing meat portions and increasing alternative protein sources (like chickpeas or tempeh) can be a good way to improve health as well as being better for the environment.”

This week marks Meat Free Week, calling on people to cut back on the amount of meat they are eating.