Poultry, fish and nuts may lower chance for heart disease

Women who eat a lot of red meat may be increasing their risk of developing heart disease, Harvard researchers report. The study is one of many that shows a link between heart disease and eating red meat, processed meat and full-fat dairy products.

Researchers collected data from another study that tracked 84,136 women, ages 30 to 55, over 26 years. They found that women who ate the highest amount of red meat were at the highest risk for heart disease. However, eating poultry, fish and nuts was associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

Compared to one serving a day of red meat, women who ate one serving a day of other protein-rich foods had a

30 percent lower risk of heart disease if they ate one serving of nuts;
24 percent lower risk of heart disease if they ate one serving of fish;
19 percent lower risk of heart disease if they ate one serving of poultry;
13 percent lower risk of heart disease if they ate one serving of low-fat dairy.

Although the study only looked at women, researchers said the findings likely apply to men as well. The study was an observational study, meaning it analyzed data to find relationships, and did not test for cause-and effect, as would a randomized clinical trial.