Dr. Joseph L. Mancusi, Health Correspondent

Boston, MA – Eating protein-rich foods other than red meat could play an important role in lowering the risk of heart disease. In a new study, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) found that women who consumed higher amounts of red meat had a greater risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Substituting other foods high in protein in place of red meat, such as fish, poultry and nuts, was associated with a lower risk of CHD.

Eating one serving per day of nuts in place of red meat was linked to a 30% lower risk of CHD; substituting a serving of fish showed a 24% lower risk, poultry a 19% lower risk and low-fat dairy a 13% lower risk.

The bottom line is this: This study joins many others that show that you can lower chances for heart disease by eating fish, poultry and nuts instead of red meats such as bacon, salami, beef and pork.

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