A healthy balanced diet includes consuming protein from meat, but did you know that eating too much red meat may affect your health, especially if you have health problems?
Red meat is a good source of nutrients, vitamins, and iron. It is necessary for building muscles, bones, enzymes, and other tissues. However, according to Medical News Today, regular consumption of meat, particularly the processed ones, may worsen health problems such as heart disease, some cancers, kidney problems, digestive issues, and mortality. So, it is advised to consider leaner cuts of unprocessed red meat as it does not contain excess salt, fat, or preservatives.
Find out if you should reduce your red meat intake. Read below! (Read: 5 Tips For Home Cooks When Buying Fresh Meat)
It contains saturated fat
The American Heart Association (AHA) claims that red meat has more saturated fat than other protein sources such as chicken, fish, or legumes. Too much consumption may pose a risk to people who have high cholesterol and blood pressure. It is recommended to limit and avoid processed red meat, including bacon, hotdogs, sausages, and others.
It can increase risk of heart disease
Aside from the saturated fat, red meat also has potential heart disease risks. A study said that people who eat red variety of meat regularly have higher levels of a metabolite called trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) compared to those who eat white meat and plant-based food. The bacteria in our gut produce TMAO during digestion, a toxin that is linked to an increased risk of heart disease. However, your TMAO levels will return to normal around four weeks after you stop eating red meat, as per Medical News Today. (Read: 8 Vegan Recipes for Your Meatless Diet)
It can trigger some cancers
Several studies and health experts suggest that too much red meat could increase the risk of cancer. But the findings of studies vary. This study states that red meat is “probably carcinogenic to humans,” while processed meat is “carcinogenic to humans.” It is similar to the classifications of the World Health Organization (WHO), which is more likely to develop colorectal cancer. The study also found a higher risk of pancreatic and prostate cancer in those who ate red meat. Meanwhile, those who eat more processed meat have a higher risk of stomach cancer. The National Cancer Institute said that the cooking method is also the main factor in increasing cancer risk since it gets exposed to chemicals through an open flame or on a very hot metal surface. (Read: 5 Plant-Based Ingredients for Your Meatless Diet)
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