Is eating red meat really bad for your health?

In the context of food and health, controversy is often served, especially when it comes to red meat, This food is shrouded in myths that persist in the collective memory, challenging the notion of its role in a balanced diet. However, under a varied and healthy approach, beef is beneficial.

Although it is heard that the consumption of meat is high in our country, but the official figures tell a different reality. than the recommendations of World Health Organization (WHO), beef consumption is five times lower in Spain.

Specifically, the average consumption of beef in Spanish households is five kilos per person per year, which equates to a total of about 100 grams per week. According to WhoHeRecommend eating 500 grams of red meatper person per week, which indicates that the current consumption in Spain is much lower than recommended.

The FAO report “The contribution of terrestrial animal source food to healthy diets for improved nutrition and health outcomes” highlights that, in an appropriate dietary pattern, foods derived from terrestrial animals, including meat, should be included. Important to achieve sustainable development goals (SDG) United Nations,

This implies important contributions, such as reducing stunting, improving birth weight, tackling anemia among women of reproductive age, and reducing obesity and non-communicable diseases among adults.

Essential in the Mediterranean Diet

an integral component of beef Mediterranean dietAgreed intangible heritage of humanity And one of the healthiest. In Spain, this meat is produced under the strictest world regulations, making it an essential component of the menu. Apart from being a source of high biological value protein (20% – 25%), it is rich in essential nutrients such as lysine, methionine, leucine and threonine, which are required by the human body on a daily basis.

It contains additional elements such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, which support bone and muscle development, oxygen transport and the nervous system. Its antioxidant properties are due to the selenium, zinc and vitamin E it contains extra charge,

The trend toward a vegetarian or vegan diet can compromise adequate levels of macronutrients (protein and omega-3 fatty acids), micronutrients (iron, zinc, iodine, vitamin D and B12), which can impact mental and physical health Is. Meat consumption counteracts anemia, avoiding the limitations of iron absorption in plant sources. The complete elimination of meat can affect cognitive and physical development.

The most beneficial way is to consume meat in minimally processed form. The search for alternatives to highly processed vegetables, mimicking hamburgers and other foods, introduces unwanted additives.

The nutritional value of meat lies in full profile and its adaptation to human physiology, which translates into physiological benefits including increased life expectancy.

long and healthy life

spain holds one of highest life expectancy in the world, shows the importance of food in our longevity. Beef has an essential role to play in this context.

a study of University of Adelaide (Australia) positively links meat consumption with life expectancy.

Meat not only provides energy but also energy essential nutrients Thereby providing physiological benefits to the human body, including a longer, healthier life.