If you are a food lover, then you might have been concerned about the debates on meat consumption. We have heard meat being claimed as the best source of protein and also condemned as the harbinger of high- cholesterol levels and blood pressure. So it’s really hard to figure out if it’s the good guy or bad guy. Whether you’re a seasoned meat eater or picky meat eater, there may be some things you still need to learn about having meat in your diet! Here are some pros and cons of red meat that you should know about.
Pros
1- It provides high-quality protein
Meat provides our bodies amino acids, which we cannot get from any other type of food or produce naturally. It is a great source of providing high quality protein and thus increases muscle mass. As a result, it lowers the risk of getting fractures and any other bone problem including osteoporosis. So eating meat is healthy and ensures strong bones and healthy muscles.
2- It boosts our energy level
Children and young people are told that eating red meat will make them grow big and strong. Red meat is a great source of iron, and thus make hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein found in red blood cells. Without enough iron, this whole process slows down. Iron plays an essential role in maintaining a person’s energy levels. Iron deficiency may lead to shortness of breath and severe headache.
3- Brain health
Everyone wants to stay mentally sharp for as long as possible and it could only be possible with the right amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Now it has been proved that organic meat is undoubtedly better than non-organic meat and it has 47% more omega-3 which is great for cognitive health.
4- Supports metabolism
A good metabolism guarantees a healthy body and the food which is high in vitamin B12 helps boost metabolism. Now it is good news for meat-lovers that red meat particularly, beef is a great source of vitamin B12.
5- It boosts our immunity level
Consumption of meat also eliminates of skin diseases, strengthens the immune system, provides long-term energy, builds and repairs body tissues and gives protection to our body against numerous infections and bacterial diseases.
6- A delicious feast to our taste buds
Red meat is not only essential for sound health rather it provides us a delicious feast to our taste buds. A succulent piece of roasted meat attracts everyone.
Cons
1- It risks consuming harmful hormones
According to research, red meat contains hormones which increase the risk of developing breast cancer and researchers have found out that these hormone-like compounds have increased cancer risk by attaching themselves to certain hormone receptors on tumors. In particular, there is a link between red meat and colorectal cancer. Consuming red and processed meat increases the risk for colorectal cancer. Moreover studies have shown that people living in developed countries mostly suffer from colorectal cancer.
2- It can cause weight gain:
Because of high calorie content eating red meat causes weight gain. Especially when one is sedentary then that unspent stored energy can make one fat. It also means that one will be at risk of getting cardiovascular disease because of eating red meat.
3- Decrease in life expectancy:
Increased consumption of red meat can decrease life expectancy. In fact, a number of deaths in the world have been reported as caused by the diet that is rich in calories, saturated and Trans fat, high cholesterol levels, which can be developed by eating meat. It has been proved that people who ate the most red meat died more often from cardiovascular disease and cancer.
4- Increased risk of diabetes:
Red meat can take an unhealthy toll on your body, and it can cause type-2 diabetes. Research has shown that people who love red meat are more prone to type-2 diabetes.
5- Could lead to heart disease and stroke:
It is of no surprise that red meat isn’t good for heart health. Not only can this increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, but it also leads to weight gain as mentioned above, which leads to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Or it can cause any heart problem in the long run.
We all know that like everything moderation is the key in consuming red meat. Taking too much red meat is definitely bad for you. But taking it twice or thrice a week is fine. Lean meat or white meat is a healthier option. In a certain health condition you may ask your health adviser about the right intake of red meat for this. You can book an appointment with a top general physician from Karachi, Multan and Islamabad through oladoc.com. You can also call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the Right doctor for your health concerns.
