Eating six rashers of bacon, three sausages or a seven ounce steak every day 'raises your risk of an early death'

Eating six rashers of bacon, three sausages or seven ounces of steak every day may raise your risk of an early death, research suggests.

A study found men who ate more than 200g (7oz) of meat a day were 23 per cent more likely to die in the next 20 years than those who had less than 100g (3.5oz).

Researchers noted the participants' main source of protein was red meat, which has been linked to heart disease and bowel cancer.

The study suggests eating more than 200g of meat a day raises the risk of an early death. This equates to around six rashers of bacon, three sausages, one steak or ten slices of ham (stock)

One rasher of bacon typically weighs 31g (1oz). Therefore a person would have to eat just under six-and-a-half rashers to take them up to 200g.

A sausage is usually around 66g (2.3oz) and a slice of ham 20g (0.7oz). We would therefore have to eat three sausages and ten ham slices to take our intake to 200g.

The findings, by Finnish researchers, add further fuel to the ongoing row about red meat and whether it is healthy.

The research was carried out by the University of Eastern Finland and led by Heli Virtanen, a registered dietitian.  

The UK's Department of Health recommends people eat no more than 70g (2.4oz) of red or processed meat a day. 

And the American Institute of Cancer Research advises a maximum of 510g (18oz) a week, which works out at around 72g (2.5oz) a day. 

Red meat is higher in saturated fat than chicken or turkey, which can raise levels of cholesterol, known to lead to heart disease.

DOES RED MEAT INCREASE OUR RISK OF BOWEL CANCER? 

Red meat - such as beef and lamb - 'probably increases your risk of bowel cancer', according to the NHS.

And processed meats - like sausages and bacon - carry a similar risk.

The NHS and American Institute of Cancer Research both recommend we limit our consumption to around 70g (2.4oz) a day.

These recommendations came about after the 2011 Iron and Health report from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition concluded red and processed meat probably raise our bowel cancer risk.

However, the report could not identify the exact amounts that are safe to eat.

The same survey found the average UK adult eats 70g of red meat a day.

The World Cancer Research Fund's 2007 report Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer also said the link between red meat and the disease is 'convincing'.  

The NHS therefore recommends those eating 90g or more of red meat a day lower their intake to 70g. 

And the NHS states red and processed meat - which include sausages, bacon and ham - 'probably increases your risk of bowel cancer'.

But the health service also praises red meat for being high in protein, iron and vitamin B12. 

To uncover the long-term effects meat really has on our health, the researchers analysed 2,641 Finnish men.

The men - who were aged between 42 and 60 at the start - recorded their protein intake over a typical four-day period. 

They were then followed for an average of 22 years, during which time 1,225 disease-related deaths occurred. 

The study revealed those with a 'high animal protein' consumption relative to their plant-based intake were significantly more likely to die too soon.

However, this was only true for those eating excessive amounts of meat, with fish, dairy and eggs posing no risk.

Overindulging in meat was found to be particularly dangerous for those with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular conditions or cancer. 

The results, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, remained true even after the researchers adjusted for other lifestyle factors. 

Future studies should look at how protein specifically affects people with health problems, the scientists claim.

'However, these findings should not be generalised to older people who are at a greater risk of malnutrition and whose intake of protein often remains below the recommended amount,' Ms Virtanen said.