How does red meat affect heart health? A meta-analysis of 24 randomized controlled trials finds that eating ≥0.5 servings of red meat per day has no negative effect on blood lipids, lipoproteins, and blood pressure over a short period of time (2–32 wk). It is important to note that the red meat consumption had no influence, neither positive or negative, on these specific cardiovascular disease biomarkers. In contrast, epidemiologic studies have found a positive association between total red meat consumption and CVD-related mortality that typically require years or decades of follow-up but do not determine causality. Future high-quality research studies are needed to improve the scientific foundation about the effects of red meat on diet quality and human health.