Volume 8 | Issue - 8
Volume 8 | Issue - 8
Volume 8 | Issue - 8
Volume 8 | Issue - 7
Volume 8 | Issue - 7
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading global cause of mortality, with diet playing a critical role in its development. Among dietary factors, meat consumption, particularly red and processed meats, has been associated with increased CVD risk. However, most evidence comes from Western populations, limiting its applicability to diverse global communities. The aim of this mini review is to explore ethnic and regional differences in the relationship between meat intake and cardiovascular risk. Relevant peer-reviewed studies, cohort analyses, and systematic reviews were used to synthesise and summarise evidence from East Asia, South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Findings reveal significant variations in how meat consumption relates to CVD across populations. In some groups, such as South Asians, even modest meat intake correlates with heightened metabolic risk, while in traditional societies with high animal food consumption (e.g., Inuit populations), CVD rates remain low. These variations are influenced by genetics, socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and the degree of food processing. Ethnic and regional differences strongly modify the diet–CVD relationship. Public health strategies should be tailored to cultural and metabolic contexts, and future research must include underrepresented populations to ensure equitable dietary guidance.