10 Things That Happen to Your Body When You Stop Eating Red Meat

You could slash your risk for certain cancers

Ban beef and you may sidestep colon or bowel cancer, especially if they run in your family. “Diets high in saturated fat have been associated with increased inflammation within the body, and chronic inflammation has been linked to the development of cancer,” says Warren.

In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified red meat as a possible carcinogen, meaning it could possibly cause cancer. “There have been reports linking a high intake of red meat to increased risk of cancer, particularly colon cancer,” says Adrienne Youdim, MD, the director of the Center for Weight Loss and Nutrition in Beverly Hills.

A 2019 study in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that eating an average of 76 grams (about 2.6 ounces) of red or processed meat a day was associated with a 20 per cent higher chance of developing colorectal cancer as compared to consuming only about 21 grams a day.

Cooking red meat at high temperatures triggers the production of several compounds that may cause bowel cancer in people with a genetic predisposition. Processed red meat, like hot dogs and sausage, also have nitrites, both naturally and as added preservatives. Nitrates are thought to contribute to cancer.