Dr. Becky Maes - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Becky Maes

Is Red Meat Bad For You?


Grade

C


Short answer

Red meat that comes from grain-fed cows as well as processed red meat should be avoided. Organic grass-fed red meats are perfectly fine to consume in moderation.

Grade

C

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

Red meat is a highly nutritious food. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals such as Iron, Zinc, Niacin, Pyridoxine, etc. It also provides a substantial amount of protein for the body. Nonetheless, recent studies are fueling the debate on whether red meat is bad for health or not - especially its link to cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

After having sliced through various studies, what we have come to realize is that the red meat we consume today is not what it used to be in term of quality. A few decades ago, animals fed on natural substances that came their way. Today, they are fed with grain-based feeds and injected with various antibiotics and hormones to alter their physical appearance for the sake of profit. These hormones, combined with high amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol (occurring naturally in red meats), have been proven to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and bowel cancer.

Other studies have revealed that processed meat, which is meat that has been preserved using harmful methods (curing, salting, smoking, or added preservatives), can also lead to heart disease, diabetes, and an increased risk of cancer. More specifically, the methods used to process meat form carcinogens which damage the cells in the body.

If you are going to consume red meat, moderation is important. The American Institute for Cancer Research has cautioned against heavy consumption of red meat. It is recommended you stay below 500g (1.1 lbs) of red meat per week.


Possible long-term side effects

  • increased cholesterol
  • heart disease
  • diabetes
  • cancer
  • stroke

Ingredients to be aware of



Benefits

  • great source of:
  • protein
  • vitamins
  • minerals

Healthier alternatives

  • grass-fed red meats
  • non-processed red meats
  • white meats
  • fish
  • nuts

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

BEYOND MEAT Ground

  • Plant-based protein
  • Soy-free product
  • Gluten-free
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Bulk pack convenience
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Desmond Richard
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Desmond Richard
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023




Related
Random Page

Check These Out!