Cancer Experts Mad About New Dietary Guidelines

The U.S. government's latest eating guidelines came out Thursday — only to be greeted with the usual accusations that they go too far, or don't go far enough, or leave out something important, NBC News reported.

But this time some of the hottest criticism comes from cancer researchers. And other experts are upset that the guidelines don't say more about eating less meat.

"We are pretty disappointed the report doesn't recommend limiting red and processed meat because of the link to cancer," said Katie McMahon of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

Evidence goes back decades linking diets high in red and processed meats (like bacon and sausage) to cancer, McMahon told NBC News.

The guidelines do, in fact, mention this — but don't blame meat specifically. "Strong evidence from mostly prospective cohort studies but also randomized controlled trials has shown that eating patterns that include lower intake of meats as well as processed meats and processed poultry are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in adults," they say.

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