Sir David Attenborough cuts common food from diet amid diabetes concerns

Sir David Attenborough, who celebrated his 98th birthday in May, credits a few dietary changes for his good health. The beloved broadcaster and naturalist, famed for his enthralling BBC documentaries, has reduced his red meat consumption but hasn't gone completely vegetarian.

Speaking to The Sun in 2017, he said: "I have certainly changed my diet. Not in a great sort of dramatic way. But I don't think I've eaten red meat for months." He added: "I do eat cheese, I have to say, and I eat fish. But by and large, I've become much more vegetarian over the past few years than I thought I would ever be."

His comments come as scientific studies raise concerns about the impact of red meat on serious health issues. Earlier this year, Harvard researchers identified a 'significant link' between 'heme iron'—found in beef, lamb, liver, and some fish—and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Professors Frank Hu and Fredrick J. Stare, corresponding authors of the study, emphasized: "This study underscores the importance of healthy dietary choices in diabetes prevention. Reducing heme iron intake, particularly from red meat, and adopting a more plant-based diet can be effective strategies in lowering diabetes risk."

Additionally, the NHS recommends limiting consumption of processed and red meat, as it may increase the risk of bowel cancer. The health organisation's guidance states: "Processed meat can also be high in salt and eating too much salt can increase your risk of high blood pressure."

"If you currently eat more than 90g (cooked weight) of red or processed meat a day, it is recommended that you cut down to 70g. Red meat includes beef, lamb, mutton, pork, veal, venison and goat."

Despite following a healthy diet, Sir David reportedly confessed to Anderson Cooper in a 2021 interview that he is concerned about cognitive decline, with the prospect of becoming 'helpless' due to a condition like Alzheimer's being one of his greatest fears, reports Surrey Live.

Nevertheless, he shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to provide his iconic narration for BBC wildlife documentaries despite the passing of time.