A diet high in red meat can shorten life expectancy, according to researchers at Harvard Medical School.

The study of more than 120,000 people suggested that red meat increased the risk of death from cancer and heart problems more than previously thought.

Researchers analysed data from 37,698 men between 1986 and 2008 and 83,644 women between 1980 and 2008.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Dr Rosemary Leonard said that the scope of the study showed that health concerns linked to eating red meats were "very clear".

She also said that there was an argument that people should avoid eating processed meats, such as ham and bacon, altogether.