BURGERS can be part of a healthy diet — and so can cheese, researchers say.
It gives the all-clear for us to enjoy a cheeseburger during the BBQ season — especially if we have it with a fresh salad.
GettyLatest research suggests modest amounts of unprocessed red meat and full-fat dairy have no bearing on health[/caption]
Two servings a day of full-fat dairy such as cheese, milk or yoghurt can help reduce the risk of heart disease
Previous studies have linked processed meat — such as bacon, sausages and salami — to cancers, heart disease and type two diabetes.
But the latest research suggests modest amounts of unprocessed red meat and full-fat dairy have no bearing on health — as long as your diet is good.
The findings are from a Canadian study comparing diets, as well as rates of early deaths, strokes and heart disease, in 80 countries.
People who ate higher than average amounts of fruit, veg, fish, nuts and legumes, such as beans, were healthiest and less likely to die young.
However, it also established that 85g of red meat a day does not harm health — but it must be unprocessed, such as steak and chops, or the minced beef used to make fresh burgers.
Dr Andrew Mente, from McMaster University, said: “A modest amount of meat can be part of a healthy diet.”
Meanwhile, two servings a day of full-fat dairy such as cheese, milk or yoghurt helped reduce the risk of disease and might lower blood pressure.
Dr Mente added: “Nutrition labels are focused on reducing fat and saturated fat. But our findings suggest the priority should be increasing protective foods such as nuts, fish and dairy.”