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Associated Health Risks With Red Meat

red meat

We know that there are a lot of negative health effects from eating red meat. Studies first started when the BSE scandal hit the world, and a link was determined to exist between Creutzfeld-Jacobs and Alzheimer’s disease. Since then, scientists found that red meat is full of saturated fat, which is a clear contribution to atherosclerosis and heart disease. Besides this, those who eat a lot of red meat have a higher risk of developing

colon cancer, endometriosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The Alternative
It is becoming more and more common for people to eat a vegetarian diet. Vegetarians are less likely to have heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, colon cancer, hypertension, kidney disease and obesity, to name but a few illnesses. It is certainly true that red meat is full of Vitamin B12 and protein, but these can be obtained from different sources as well.

What Is Red Meat?
Red meat is not determined by its actual colour, although many red meats (like beef) are actually red. Technically, what determines whether something is red or white meat is the amount of myoglobin. If it is more than 0.05%, it is classed as a red meat. Hence, only chicken and fish would be considered white.
Some of the most common types of red meat include beef, pork, veal and lamb.

Red Meat Health Risks
There is no question about the fact that red meat can increase the chance of developing heart disease. This is because the saturated fat contained in the meat will raise your bad cholesterol. The link between red meat and cancer is not 100% clear as of yet, but most scientists agree that it is linked to colorectal cancer. It has also been proven that those who eat a high amount of processed red meat will have a lifespan some 10 years shorter than those who don’t.

How Could Red Meat Cause Cancer
There are numerous other potential causes for cancer, but if there is indeed a link between red meat and cancer, this would be due to:
• High levels of saturated fat
• The fact that cooking meat can release carcinogens
• The iron in meat – heme iron – can damage cells and cause cancer

Red Meat Benefits
Red meat is full of iron, which is beneficial to the blood. It is also full of vitamin B12, which keeps the red blood cells healthy, as well as zinc, which aids the immune system. Lastly, it contains protein, needed to build muscles and bones. Beef in particular is one of the most nutrient rich foods available on our market.

Is Pork Red or White Meat?
Pork is classed as a red meat. Besides this, it is full of fat, making it one of the most unhealthy types of meat out there.

How Much Red Meat Is ok?
It isn’t entirely clear what would be an acceptable amount of red meat. What matters more, according to scientists, is that you eat the right amount of calories and that around half of your plate is filled with vegetables, one quarter with carbohydrates and another quarter with meat or fish. If you vary your diet, including white meats and fish, there should be no need to eat red meat more than once or twice a week.

What Is the Best Red Meat?
Eating lean cuts of red meat is a reasonable alternative. The best ones are those that also include the word “loin”. Good examples include loin chops, tenderloin and sirloin.

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