Why too much meat can make you look older
EATING too much red meat can make you look older, a study suggests.
Scientists analysed genetic data from more than one million people and found those who lived longer were less likely to have high iron levels.
They also had variations of genes which gave them an ability to absorb higher amounts of the chemical efficiently.
The research concluded that those without this biological aid could cut their consumption of red meat – which is high in iron – if they want to prevent agerelated damage.
The experts also said their discovery may accelerate the development of drugs to reduce diseases linked to getting older.
Dr Paul Timmers, from the University
of Edinburgh’s Usher Institute, said: ‘We are very excited by these findings as they strongly suggest that high levels of iron in the blood reduces our healthy years of life.’
Ageing drives the world’s most fatal diseases including heart disease, dementia and cancers.
High or low levels of blood iron are linked to conditions such as Parkinson’s and liver disease.
The experts also found some genetic variations that extend life may also increase the risk of other problems including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and eyesight degeneration.
Co-researcher Dr Joris Deelen, from the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing in Germany, said: ‘Our ultimate aim is to discover how ageing is regulated and find ways to increase health during our later years.’