What happens to your blood pressure if you eat red meat every day like RFK Jr

Some people like to save steak for a special occasion. Others are quite happy eating it every day. But is a daily dose of red meat something your blood pressure would thank you for?

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed earlier this year that he follows a carnivore-style diet centred around red meat and fermented foods.

But what would happen if you followed RFK Jr’s, 72, diet guidelines and ate red meat every day?

The short answer? Probably nothing good.

RFK Jr. follows a carnivore diet. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

The environmental lawyer claimed back in January that his carnivore diet has helped him lose a large amount of ‘visceral fat’.

While he told USA Today that the diet ‘may not be right for other people’, he suggested that it had improved his ‘mental clarity’ and word retrieval, and helped him lose ‘20 pounds in 20 days.’

While red meat can be an excellent source of important nutrients like iron and protein, dieticians have linked meat-heavy diets to changes in blood pressure, increased inflammation, and even heart disease.

According to Health, eating red meat every day could make it more likely that your blood pressure creeps up over time.

That's not to say red meat is automatically ‘bad’ for you.

Lean, unprocessed cuts of beef can provide protein alongside nutrients like iron, zinc and vitamin B12.

Meanwhile, processed meats like bacon, sausages and salami tend to contain much more sodium and saturated fat.

Eating too much sodium can contribute to higher blood pressure, according to the publication, while a diet that’s high in saturated fat can also raise LDL, often called ‘bad’ cholesterol, over time, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Processed meats like bacon, sausages and salami tend to contain much more sodium and saturated fat. (Getty Images)

Eating red meat every day can also mean there's less room on your plate for foods that are renowned for keeping blood pressure in check, like fruit, vegetables, beans and whole grains.

Those are foods that provide the body with fibre and potassium, which are both associated with better heart health.

The American Heart Association recommends keeping red meat intake low and opting for plant-based proteins and fish instead.

Meanwhile, the American Institute of Cancer Research suggests having red meat in no more than 3 servings per week.

That doesn't mean you need to swear off steak forever.

RFK Jr.'s has said his meat-heavy diet improved his ‘mental clarity’ and word retrieval, and helped him lose ‘20 pounds in 20 days.’ (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Having red meat every now and then is very different from building your entire diet around it. The concern is when eating it every day becomes the norm, especially if processed meats are making regular appearances on your plate.

So while RFK Jr. has said his meat-heavy diet works for him, the wider advice from health experts points in a different direction.