From a dietary standpoint, the United States is certainly a red meat nation. The average American eats nine or ten servings of red meat per week, which is much more than nearly every other country on the planet.
We also lead the world in the number of prostate cancer incidences per capita, with cancer rates surpassing the rest of the world by a wide margin. In fact, one in six American men developed prostate cancer last year — much higher numbers than Europe, Asia and the rest of the world. Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in American men.
Yes, we are world leaders. We lead the world in the consumption of red meat / animal fats, and we lead the world in the number of prostate cancer cases each year.
But is there a connection between these things? Does our so-called “western diet” have a direct impact on the commonality of prostate cancer in the United States? More plainly, does eating a lot of red meat increase your prostate cancer risk? A lot of people seem to think so, and I am one of them.
Doctor David Heber, Director for the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, said the following in his report The Linkage Between Obesity and Prostate Cancer:
“There is a worldwide epidemic of common forms of cancer including prostate cancer in those countries … eating a so-called Western Diet. This chaotic ‘diet’ is characterized by a dietary pattern rich in fat, sugar, and red meat, but poor in fiber, fruits and vegetables.”
A report by the Prostate Cancer Foundation states nearly the exact same thing, that our “Western-style diet that is high in red meat and animal fats and low in fiber, fruits and vegetables” has long been associated with increased risk of certain cancers. In other words, we eat too much red meat, and not enough fruits and vegetables.
I could go on and on, citing dozens of reports from medical experts that suggest a connection between the way the “average American” eats and the frequency of prostate cancer in this country — a connection between high levels of red meat consumption and prostate cancer risk. And each year, the medical community places even more emphasis on this connection.
Now, this is not to say that there are other risk factors for prostate cancer. There are. But the one risk factor that we have the most control over is our diet — the types of things we put into our body. Nor am I saying that red meat is evil. Red meat is rich in iron, protein, and other things that our bodies can use. But moderation is the key when it comes to red meat. If you ask me, a daily serving of red meat is too much. I think three or four servings a week should be the rule of thumb.
Listen up, my fellow American males. If you want to significantly reduce your chances of developing prostate cancer, follow this three-step plan. Eat less red meat, eat more fruits and vegetables, and get regular exercise. Isn’t your life worth it?