Meat contains more fat now compared to the 1970s
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New research has revealed that 45,000 early deaths could be prevent by cutting down the amount of meat in our diets
The researchers, from University of Oxford, looked at the health implications of a range of dietary options and found that a lower-meat diet could cut deaths from heart disease by 31,000, deaths from cancer by 9,000 and deaths from strokes by 5,000 each year.
The researchers found that factory farming and the processing of meat have made meat considerably unhealthy.
The average supermarket chicken was found to contain 2.7 times more fat than a chicken in the 1970s and 30 per cent less protein.
The research also found that if we ate less meat then we would also be helping to tackle climate change and curb deforestation.
Craig Bennett, Director of Policy and Campaigns for Friends of the Earth, said, ‘We do not need to go vegetarian to look after ourselves and our planet but we do need to cut down on meat.’
The new findings come ahead of a key vote on the Sustainable Livestock Bill in November. If passed, the new Law should see the Government recommending healthier meat-based diets.
By Lauren King
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