A new study suggests people who consume unprocessed red meat as part of a healthy Mediterranean diet may reduce their risk of multiple sclerosis. The study’s authors said the findings highlighted the importance of educating people who are at a higher risk of MS about the effect of their diet and other environmental factors.

Curtin University and The Australian National University researchers examined data from 840 Australians who took part in the Ausimmune Study. The purpose of the study was to determine whether there is a link between consuming a Mediterranean diet – that includes unprocessed red meat, such as lamb, beef and pork – and a reduced risk of a first episode of CNS demyelination, which is a common precursor to MS.

The researchers found that consuming one daily serving (65 g) of unprocessed red meat as part of a healthy Mediterranean diet may be beneficial for those at high risk of developing MS.

The findings were published in the Journal of Nutrition.