Study: Grilling Meat Increases Risk of Heart Disease and Diabetes

Category: Health

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. degenerative / dɪˈdʒɛn ər ə tɪv / (adj) – describing a disease or condition that worsens over time
    Example:

    Degenerative diseases can be life-threatening.


  2. complication / ˌkɒm plɪˈkeɪ ʃən / (n) – a problem that makes a health condition worse or more difficult to treat
    Example:

    Breathing problems are complications of lung cancer.


  3. poach / poʊtʃ / (v) – to cook in a little amount of liquid
    Example:

    I poached the vegetables in a soup to make them tasty.


  4. disrupt / dɪsˈrʌpt / (v) – to stop or interrupt something by causing trouble or problems
    Example:

    Her immediate resignation disrupted the project’s progress.


  5. insight / ˈɪnˌsaɪt / (n) – a deeper understanding of something
    Example:

    The book gave me new insights into starting a business.


Article

Read the text below.

Researchers from the University of South Australia found that cooking red meat at high temperatures can increase the risk of degenerative diseases.


According to the study, eating red and processed meat may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes complications. The researchers also found that exposing the protein and sugar in meat to high temperatures may have negative health implications.


For the study, the researchers examined the effects of two diets on the health of 51 participants aged 18 and above. The first diet included processed grains and red meat, while the second included whole grains, nuts, and white meat. In the first diet, the meat was cooked by grilling or frying. In the second diet, the meat was cooked by steaming, boiling, stewing, or poaching.


Findings showed that the first diet caused the participants to have increased levels of protein compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in their blood. AGEs can disrupt regular cell functions in the body and may worsen cardiovascular disease and diabetes.


The researchers said that their findings give dietary insights for people who are at risk of degenerative diseases. According to them, people who aim to reduce their risk of such diseases should cut back on red meat or change the way they cook it. They added that slow cooking may be a healthier method than grilling or frying.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think the findings of the study can convince people to change the way they cook food? Why or why not?
• Do you think people should focus more on the way they cook food or the type of food that they eat? Explain.

Discussion B

• What other cooking habits/practices do you think are affecting people’s health negatively (e.g. overcooking vegetables, using microwaves to heat food)? Discuss.
• What can other countries learn from your country in terms of preparing and cooking food properly? Discuss.