HomeLifestyleHealth & FitnessVegan Diet is Good - But Meat is Crucial for Human Health...

Vegan Diet is Good – But Meat is Crucial for Human Health – Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on

Should you eat meat and dairy products or not: this is what a new study says about one of the most confusing health topics

While red meat consumption declines for health reasons, scientists find a fatty acid in these foods that may protect against cancer.

The consumption of meat and dairy has seen a decline in popularity in recent years, with health and ethical concerns influencing dietary choices.

Notably, there have been studies indicating that excessive consumption of red meat might increase the risk of diseases, including bowel cancer. Contrasting these findings, recent research highlights a potentially beneficial component in red meat and dairy.

Trans-vaccenic acid (TVA), a type of fatty acid present in beef, lamb, and dairy, has been linked to enhanced immune cell function in combating tumors.

Furthermore, this study revealed that patients with higher TVA levels in their bloodstream had better outcomes when undergoing immunotherapy, hinting at its potential as a dietary supplement to aid cancer treatment.

“There are many studies trying to decipher the link between diet and human health, and it’s very difficult to understand the underlying mechanisms because of the wide variety of foods people eat,” commented senior author Jing Chen from UChicago.

“But if we focus on just the nutrients and metabolites derived from food, we begin to see how they influence physiology and pathology.

“By focusing on nutrients that can activate T-cell responses, we found one that actually enhances anti-tumour immunity by activating an important immune pathway.”

Can Red Meat and Dairy Be Cancer-Fighting Foods?

In the research published in the journal Nature, the team initially utilized a database containing approximately 700 food-derived molecules. From this, they constructed a “blood nutrient” library, featuring 235 bioactive molecules originating from various nutrients.

The focus of the study then shifted to testing these compounds from the library to determine their impact on anti-tumor immune responses.

Upon assessing the top six contenders using both human and mouse cells, the researchers found that trans-vaccenic acid (TVA) showed the most promising results.

“After millions of years of evolution, there are only a couple hundred metabolites derived from food that end up circulating in the blood,” explained Professor Chen, “so that means they could have some importance in our biology.”

“To see that a single nutrient like TVA has a very targeted mechanism on a targeted immune cell type, with a very profound physiological response at the whole organism level—I find that really amazing and intriguing.”

The study indicated that a diet supplemented with TVA markedly lessened the growth of melanoma and colon cancer cells in mice and improved the body’s capacity to penetrate tumors.

In human trials, blood samples from lymphoma patients receiving immunotherapy were analyzed, revealing that those with elevated TVA levels typically had a better treatment response compared to those with lower levels.

Additionally, the research found that TVA increased the effectiveness of a certain immunotherapy medication in eradicating leukemia cells.

Does this mean you should eat more meat and dairy?

Despite these findings, the researchers do not advocate for increased consumption of red meat as a solution and are instead looking to plants for potential similar benefits.

Professor Chen emphasized: “There is a growing body of evidence about the detrimental health effects of consuming too much red meat and dairy, so this study shouldn’t be taken as an excuse to eat more cheeseburgers and pizza.

“There is early data showing that other fatty acids from plants signal through a similar receptor, so we believe there is a high possibility that nutrients from plants can do the same thing by activating the CREB pathway as well.”

He pointed out: “There is early data showing that other fatty acids from plants signal through a similar receptor, so we believe there is a high possibility that nutrients from plants can do the same thing by activating the CREB pathway as well.”

Experts suggest several strategies for cancer prevention, which encompass:

  • Avoiding tobacco use
  • Keeping a healthy body weight
  • Following a diet that is nutritious and well-rounded
  • Protecting skin with sunscreen or clothing when exposed to sunlight
  • Reducing alcohol consumption

In terms of dietary habits, they recommend a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains high in fiber, and proteins that are good for your health.

They also advise limiting the intake of processed and red meats, alcoholic beverages, and foods and drinks that are high in calories.

Image Credit: iStock

Latest articles

Here’s How and When Mount Everest-sized ‘Devil Comet’ Can Be Seen With Naked Eye

Mount Everest sized Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as "devil comet" which is making its...

Something Fascinating Happened When a Giant Quantum Vortex was Created in Superfluid Helium

Scientists created a giant swirling vortex within superfluid helium that is chilled to the...

The Science of Middle-aged Brain and the Best Thing You Can Do to Keep it Healthy, Revealed

Middle age: It is an important period in brain aging, characterized by unique biological...

Science Shock: Salmon’s Food Choices Better at Reducing Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

Salmon: Rich in Health Benefits, Yet May Offer Less Nutritional Value - This is...

More like this

Here’s How and When Mount Everest-sized ‘Devil Comet’ Can Be Seen With Naked Eye

Mount Everest sized Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, also known as "devil comet" which is making its...

Something Fascinating Happened When a Giant Quantum Vortex was Created in Superfluid Helium

Scientists created a giant swirling vortex within superfluid helium that is chilled to the...

The Science of Middle-aged Brain and the Best Thing You Can Do to Keep it Healthy, Revealed

Middle age: It is an important period in brain aging, characterized by unique biological...