Wellness Wisdom: Red Meat
Did you know the average American eats 70 pounds of red meat every year?
Often times, we hear about the negative effects of red meat. Whether those negative effects concern the environment or our body, not much is said about the health benefits red meat can have. We understand there are some people that choose to remove red meat from their diet for a variety of reasons, but for this article we will lightly discuss some pros and cons of red meat.
Let’s do a quick review of the negative effects before we look at the positive effects. Our bodies need fats to function, but red meat is high in saturated fats. This is a type of fat that can lead to heart issues. Additionally, red meats can increase bad cholesterol and include unhealthy compounds.
On another note, red meat is a good source of vitamins and minerals, specifically B12 and Vitamin D.
- B12 is needed to form red blood cells and plays a big role in the function and development of brain and nerve cells.
- Vitamin D helps the body take in and retain calcium and phosphorus, both needed for building bone growth and supporting the immune system.
These vitamins and minerals can be found in meats like chicken and fish too, and meats in general can be a great source of protein. Protein is a source our bodies need to help repair and create cells, it is important for growth and development.
In a study concerning red meat consumption, researchers found of 120,000 participants 15,400 died of cardiovascular disease or cancer. More than one serving of red meat each day increased mortality rate by up to 20%. Substituting one red meat meal each day with fish, chicken, or nuts can lower the risk of mortality to up to 19%.
The key is red meat in moderation is not particularly harmful. Red meat eaten in moderation can have health benefits like vitamin and mineral intake. You should always check with your health care provider to see if any part of your diet needs adjusted.
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