Red Meat!!!

Most individuals who aren’t vegetarians love meat.  The question is what type of meat is good for you and what meats can lead to illnesses.  There are two types of meat red meat and white meats.  Most of us love the taste of a delicious T-bone steak fresh and hot off the grill.  Man say red meat is potentially harmful to our system and overall health.  Red meat takes twice the time to digest than lean white meat. Some red meats are also high in saturated fat as well as cholesterol.  Over time the high percentage of saturated fat in red meats can lead to plaque build up in the arteries, which can lead to strokes, heart attacks as well as a number of health issues.  Red meats also contain toxic compounds, which can damage the lining of the cells in your digestive tract.  The consumption of red meat is strongly correlated with the contraction of colon cancer and pancreatic cancer.  The regular consumption of red meat more than doubles the risk of some cancers.  According to CNN.com people who consume red meat on a daily basis have a higher risk of dying over a 10-year period due to the inflammation it causes. 

Many questions arise when it comes to the question; what are the best choices of meat to eat on a healthy diet?  Most experts or fitness enthusiast would say lean chicken, steak, fish, or even turkey.  Why not red meat? This question stimulates from its high correlation to cancer.  Professors and experts from around the world do say, “Red meats do test high in raising LDL cholesterol which causes heart disease.  Meat companies proclaim there is no link to cancer and red meat; in fact they say that red meats do posses a healthy side that can be beneficial to our overall health. 

1)    What benefits can we obtain by consuming red meat?

*Red meat is High in Iron, which leads to healthy bone functionality

*High in Vitamin B12 which helps support nerve and red blood cell Health

*High in Zinc for Immune health

How much red meat should I Eat? Opinions vary on this subject.  Most say to keep it to small portions if you are to eat red meat.  If you are to consume red meat you will want to choose the leanest cuts as possible.  Some lean choices would consist of (Flat Iron steak, Flank Steak, Ground beef only the 95% lean labeled ground beef, Filet Mignon). 

2)    Read Meat Cancer but why?

*High Saturated fat content, which leads to cancers such as colon and breast

*Carcinogens that are formed during the cooking process

*High Cholesterol levels

It’s hard to have a perfect diet and follow everything that is said or proclaimed about the foods we consume.  Moderation is the key.  Red meats certainly have health benefits and are ok to consume every once in a while.