You have probably all heard that red meat can lead to cancer, but it seems there is a reason behind it all, and it has finally been revealed.

Namely, it was discovered that the root of it all is the sugar, according to a study from the University of California in San Diego. When it comes to eating red meat, humans are those who have higher risks of cancer due to other carnivores eat the meat naturally with no ill side effects.

There is a unique sugar with name Neu5Gc which is found in most mammals, but not in humans. This sugar triggers an immune response which causes inflammation. It can be found in red meats (pork and other livestock), cow’s milk and certain cheeses.

This study was conducted over mice and all of the evidence linking Neu5Gc to cancer was circumstantial or indirectly predicted from experimental setups. The scientists stated that it was the first time they mimicked the exact situation in humans through feeding non-human Neu5Gc and inducing anti-Neu5Gc antibodies. This increased spontaneous cancer in mice.

Human bodies are not able to produce Neu5Gc naturally. So, when it is absorbed into our tissues, it is seen as a foreign invader which leads to the activation of our immune system and resulting into inflammation.

In case the immune system is subject to this sugar type, the situation gets worse, for it will frequently lead to chronic inflammation. Cancer comes as a result of this inflammation, eventually. This means that those who consume red meat regularly will surely suffer a stronger reaction than those who ingest red meat only occasionally. This shows that by reducing red meat, the health will be boosted.

People should avoid consuming red meat in order to prevent inflammation or cancer. This is due to people not being strict carnivores, so they are not able to make Neu5Gc.