How much is too much?

Some scientists say people should not consume more red or processed meat than an average 70 grammes a day, which is about 500 grammes a week. Recommendations from 1998 suggest 90 grammes a day is a healthy amount and say those eating more than 140 grammes a day should cut back. In 2007, the World Cancer Research Fund recommended a limit of 500 grammes a week. However, according to Dr Pande, “some studies claim it should not be consumed at all, whereas some claim one to twice a week, is safe.” Sudipta says the recommended daily intake of protein is 1 gramme per kilogramme of body weight. A healthy adult should consume about 65 to 70 grammes of protein. “Most of this should come from lean meat–chicken, fish, sea food–and legumes. One serving of meat should be approximately 65 to 100 grammes per day, which can be easily made up with an egg and one ounce of meat,” Sudipta said. “Red meat should be consumed not more than three times a week and the portion size should be limited to 100 grammes cooked weight per day.”One ounce of red meat, Sudipta adds, contains 4 grammes of protein and 8 grammes of fat as compared to an ounce of chicken or fish, which has 7 grammes of protein and 2.5 grammes of fat. “Lean meat such as chicken or fish is a healthier option and can be consumed for more than three times per week and red meat should be limited to not more than thrice a week, else it will lead to degenerative diseases. Anything more than 300 grammes per week of red meat is too much!”