Eating red meat? Let's explore the health benefits and side effects

Importance of red meat (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by christopher)
Importance of red meat (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by christopher)

The consumption of red meat has been flagged as being unhealthy. Lots of folks love a sizzling steak or a tasty burger in their meals. However, chomping down red and processed meat every day, research says, increases the risk of illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancer forms.

Several factors around red meat consumption will directly affect your health. The health and environmental fallout of a meat-centric diet may be pretty persuasive enough to convince you to say bye to beef permanently.

If you can't replicate it in veggies, it's emerging as a big, daunting challenge for the planet's future health.


Benefits of eating red meat

1) More protein

Beef and venison are two of the highest-protein foods available. For instance, a 3-ounce portion of deer flesh, contains 26 grams of protein, while a 4-ounce dish of ground beef contains 23 grams. Since the recommended intake for protein is approximately 50 grams, consuming these meats daily can help you meet your protein requirements.

Benefits of meat (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by gil)
Benefits of meat (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by gil)

2) Enhanced zinc levels

Zinc, a nutrient distributed throughout the body of an individual, helps the immune system and metabolism function properly. Zinc is also necessary for wound healing and the senses of smell and taste. It is abundant in beef, and it supports healthy hair, nails, and skin.

Zinc also aids in the maintenance of healthy cognitive function and fertility, including reproduction, as well as the normal amount of testosterone in the blood.

Importance of meat (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by josh)
Importance of meat (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by josh)

3) Elevated iron level

Iron is essential for the functioning of cells and hormone production, as well as for transporting oxygen from your lungs to tissues and organs throughout the body. Iron is a micronutrient that is essential for everything from the cellular transport of oxygen to healthy nails and skin.

A variety of cuts of meat, including lean red meat, has an adequate amount of iron. Lean red meat additionally offers a kind of iron that is easier to absorb than iron found in plant-based diets.

Importance of meat (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by kristya)
Importance of meat (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by kristya)

4) Enhances immunity system

Different types of meat include a significant level of zinc, which aids in immunity. Zinc's antioxidant qualities are responsible for the production of antibodies that combat free radicals, which increase our risk of chronic diseases. Protein, which is also found in meat, aids in the formation of antibodies that defend the body from illnesses.

The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids found in seafood are also beneficial to immunity. Selenium, another mineral present in shellfish, is recognized for boosting the immune system. Vitamin A improves the performance of the female reproductive system.

Cons of meat (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by rachel)
Cons of meat (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by rachel)

Side effects of eating red meat

1) Meat glue

Should we say more about meat glue? Transglutaminase, an enzyme previously collected from blood from animals that is generated by bacterial fermentation, is sometimes used to bind red meat with more red meat.

When mixed with meat, it generates an invisible bond that can be used to shape smaller portions into a more acceptable shape.

Importance of meat (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by matheus)
Importance of meat (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by matheus)

2) Elevated risk of cancer

In terms of carcinogen concentration, processed meats are on par with smoking. They classified hot dogs, sausages, and additional processed meats in the same group as asbestos, alcohol, and arsenic, along with tobacco, in terms of cancer risk.

But we'd never compare the healthiness of any dish with the nicotine content of a cigarette. To improve your health, choose your meat carefully and avoid smoking.

Benefits of meat (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Leonardo)
Benefits of meat (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by Leonardo)

3) Bad for your heart health

In addition to cancer, that's linked to a red meat-heavy diet. Red meat consumption is also connected to heart disease, a thing no hot dog fan wants to hear. It's a shame that so many game-day favorites are bad for your heart; it makes piglets in a blanket a lot less appealing to consume.

Importance of meat (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by rickietom)
Importance of meat (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by rickietom)

4) Bad for cholesterol

Saturated fat levels are often high in beef and lamb. Fattening meats include hamburgers, pork chops, ribs, and roasts.

You are unable to abstain from meat totally; just consume it on rare occasions. Stick to leaner meats like pork loin, sirloin, or fillet mignon, and stick to the suggested 3-ounce portion size.

Better yet, substitute meat for proteins low in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as skinless chicken, fish, or turkey breast, and beans.

Benefits of meat (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by sebastian)
Benefits of meat (image sourced via Pexels / Photo by sebastian)

It is acceptable to have up to four ounces of meat a couple of times per week. Although lean foods such as chicken or fish are healthier options, meat should not be avoided. After all, your well-being is impacted by more than just the foods you consume.

Edited by Abigail Kevichusa
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