Why can red meat contribute to the development of heart disease? This was revealed by a research published in the journal Nature Medicine by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, in Ohio, which points the finger at carnetin, a compound hitherto little known but very dangerous to health, partly exonerating cholesterol and saturated fat.
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Why can red meat contribute to the development of heart disease? This was revealed by research published in the magazine Nature Medicine by the researchers of the Cleveland Clinic, in Ohio, that points the finger at carnitine, a compound until now little known but very dangerous for health, partly exonerating cholesterol and saturated fats.
The bacteria that live in the human digestive tract metabolize this compound, transforming it into trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), an enzyme that other studies have previously linked to the onset of atherosclerosis. According to the new study, a diet rich in carnitine, present in abundance in the red meat, but also in some energy drinks and supplements to lose weight, it promotes the growth of these bacteria, aggravating the problem and producing even more TMAO.
That's why the arteries are at risk in a diet that involves the consumption of meat: this substance is linked to the accumulation of fat deposits in the walls of blood vessels, therefore to stuff out shots. "The bacteria that live in our digestive system are linked to our long-term eating habits - explains researcher Stanley Hazen-. A diet high in carnitine actually shifts our gut microbial composition, making meat eaters even more sensitive to the formation of TMAO, with clogging effects on the arteries ”.
What about vegans and vegetarians? "They have a greatly reduced ability to synthesize TMAO from carnitine, which may explain the cardiovascular health benefits of these diets," concludes the expert. Here, then, is another reason for avoid the consumption of meat, or at least to reduce it. Now, however, the team also said it was concerned about the trade in products that contain carnitine: "we need to reassess the safety of those who chronically consume supplements with carnitine which, as we have shown, under certain conditions, can promote the growth of bacteria that produce TMAO and clog arteries ".
Roberta Ragni
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