Is red meat good or bad for your health? Should we stop using it? Here’s what the experts say
red meata constant topic of debate in the world of nutrition, awakens how admiration for its nutritional qualities How concerns about its potential health effects.
The purpose of this article is a deeper analysis arguments from both sidesbased on the latest research and the opinions of experts in the field.
Red meat is good for you
He zinc It is an essential nutrient present in noticeable amounts in red meat. He plays a decisive role in muscle development, healthy brain function and building a strong immune system. A palm-sized portion of red meat consumed three times a week can meet your daily zinc requirement.
Red meat? If we consume it in moderation, it is beneficial.
They are rich in protein, iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and B vitamins.
If you choose lean meats and cook them in the oven, grill or grill, you can easily eat 2 or 3 servings a week! pic.twitter.com/MSq3EsIIGD— Marlene Trevino (@MarlenTrevino) February 26, 2019
Except red meat This rich source of vitamin Bincluding vitamin B12necessary for healthy nervous systemAnd vitamin B6important for the immune system. Niacin and riboflavin, also present, help good digestion and promote healthy skin and eyes. Some lean red meats contain oleic acidwhich is good for cholesterol.
Health effects: are the studies reliable?
Assessing the health effects of red meat is challenging because nutrition studies often face methodological problems. double-blind randomized trialsconsidered the gold standard in medical research, They are difficult to do in the field of nutrition.
Thus, most diet studies observational and based on participant self-reports. These studies may suffer from various limitations, such as memory bias or social desirability bias. It is difficult to establish reliable cause-and-effect relationships between red meat consumption and its health effects..
Red meat consumption: what does WHO say?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that red meat It could be useful component of a balanced dietespecially because of his wealth highly bioavailable iron and vitamin B12.
WHO classification of red and processed meat.
Yes, dried or jerky meats are included too! pic.twitter.com/4vGML9yQpY
— Jorge García Bastida (@JorgeGarBas) January 14, 2019
However overconsumption associated with increased health risks, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. High-temperature cooking methods such as baking and frying can increase the production of harmful compounds. Except, Consumption of ultra-processed meat may increase risks health benefits beyond those associated with red meat in general.
Reduce consumption to protect the planet?
It is also important to consider impact of production on the environment red meat. Ruminant farming is responsible for important environmental impacts such as Greenhouse gas emissionsHe intensive water use and earth And loss of biodiversity.
Red meat and milk production is approx. 55% of greenhouse gas emissions world agriculture.
Finally, Consumption of red meat has important nutritional benefits, but it should be moderated to avoid greater health risks. Except, reduce your consumption of red meat on a global scale, this will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.