When it comes to hearty and satisfying home cooked meals, it is difficult to beat a juicy steak or fresh grilled hamburger. Somehow, red meat satisfies the palate unlike any other food.

However, excessive consumption of red meat is not without its own negative consequences. There is an increasing body of evidence that indicates that eating beef can negatively affect our body weight, heart health, and even longevity.

A new paper published by the American Heart Association has found that when women chose alternative protein sources to red meat, they significantly lowered their risk of developing heart disease. Red meat included fresh beef, processed meat, as well as high fat dairy products.

In the study in question, researchers examined the records of over 84,000 women between the ages of 30 and 55 years over the course of 26 years (from 1980 to 2006). Medical histories and lifestyle choices were examined, including detailed dietary information that targeted over 116 food items.

By the study's end, there were 2,210 non-fatal heart attacks recorded, and 953 deaths attributed to coronary heart disease. In regards to cardiovascular health, the researchers found that that women who consumed two servings of red meat every day had a 30% higher risk of developing heart problems when compared to women who consumed half a serving or less.

The findings, published in the journal Circulation, suggest that reducing or removing red meat consumption could have significant health ramifications. Healthier alternatives include fish, legumes, and chicken, all of which were associated with a lowering of a person's risk for heart disease.

In fact, substituting one daily serving of meat with nuts lead to a 30% lower risk for heart disease. Choosing fish instead of red meat lowered the risk to 24%, and chicken was associated with a 19% lower risk. Positive health benefits were seen in choosing low fat dairy alternatives, as well.

The authors of the study indicate that there are excellent sources of protein other than red meat, and many of them are much healthier than red or processed meats. Furthermore, even though the study focused on women, the conclusions are likely to apply to men, as well.

Heart disease the is No. 1 killer of both men and women in the United States. Though there are many contributing factors to heart disease, a person can reduce their risk by taking a few precautions. These include controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol, getting enough exercise, avoiding smoking, and eating a healthy diet.

If you have questions or concerns, speak with your physician. For more information about heart disease, visit the homepage for the American Heart Association.