Meat is nutrient-rich, but it often raises several doubts and questions. Let’s find out if Red Meat is bad or good! Red meat is a topic that always generates a lot of discussion. If, for some, red meat is rotten for you and should (rarely) be consumed, for others, it is a food like many others. It is a succulent, tasty food rich in many nutrients necessary for our body. 

Is it, therefore, better to include or exclude it entirely from our food plan? Often, the truth is somewhere in the middle, but in these cases, it is always good to refer to the studies conducted on the topic and to the Guidelines for Healthy Eating. The latter provides valuable information on the recommended foods to bring to the table to help us feel good.

Why Eat Meat?

Meat is a highly nutritious food due to the substances contained within it. It is an essential source of proteins (of animal origin), vitamins, mineral salts, and saturated fats, which can be potentially dangerous for the heart. Red meat is rich in:

1. vitamin B6;
2. vitamin B12;
3. vitamin B3;
4. zinc ;
5. selenium ;
6. iron.

It also contains creatine and carnosine, essential nutrients for maintaining good muscle and brain function.

What Is Red Meat?

Not all red meat is the same. It is, therefore, reasonable to make an initial distinction between the following:

1. Red meat, i.e., that which can be purchased fresh from your local butcher’s shop and which can come from animals such as veal, horse, pork, lamb, and beef;
2. Processed meat, i.e., cured meats and sausages. This red meat is subjected to specific manufacturing processes (such as seasoning) and to which preservatives are added, including nitrates and nitrites.

Because The Meat Is Red

Red meat stands out for its typical red color, incredibly when fresh. This color is due to myoglobin, a protein containing a molecule with an iron atom at the center. This molecule is rich in pigments and stores oxygen in muscle cells.

Is Red Meat Carcinogenic?

There is no scientific evidence that unprocessed red meat can be considered carcinogenic if consumed in the right quantities. However, what is best to evaluate are the processing methods, the type of cooking, and the quantities consumed. The “dangerousness” of this food depends on these factors. Furthermore, as underlined by the AIRC, there are no pathologies caused by the consumption of red meat alone. However, eating a lot of it often contributes to increasing the risk of developing:

1. cardiovascular diseases;
2. obesity;
3. diabetes;
4. colorectal and stomach cancer;
5. Prostate and breast cancer.

Why Is Red Meat Rotten For You?

Red meat, especially cured meats and sausages, can cause the onset of various pathologies, even serious ones, if consumed frequently and in abundance. However, we must not forget that the risk of getting sick depends on other factors, such as lifestyle and familiarity. 

Too much meat can harm the body due to preservatives in the case of sausages and saturated fats, which we know are dangerous for blood circulation. They can obstruct vessels and arteries, leading to the development of cardiovascular diseases (the leading cause of death worldwide), such as myocardial infarction.

Red Meat: How Many Times A Week Should I Consume It?

Several institutions have indicated the ideal quantities of red meat to consume weekly. The World Cancer Research Fund, for example, suggests limiting consumption to no more than three portions a week and eating very little processed meat, such as cured meats. The number of weekly portions must also consider the individual’s health conditions. For this reason, consumption may be reduced in the presence of specific pathologies. In this case, the doctor will indicate the right quantities.

Alternatives To Red Meat

Red meat can be consumed weekly, albeit in small quantities. So, how can we ensure a good protein intake? By following a healthy and balanced diet and preparing dishes based on:

1. poultry;
2. fish;
3. legumes;
4. egg;
5. Cereals.

Furthermore, by calculating your needs and macronutrients, you can determine how many calories you need during the day and how to correctly divide them between carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, all fundamental elements of a correct diet. Vitamins and mineral salts, such as those contained in red meat, are essential for the proper functioning of the body.

However, prolonged periods of high stress and delicate moments in a woman’s life, such as menopause, may require more excellent sustenance. To fill possible deficiencies due to age or certain stages of life, we recommend our multivitamin and mineral supplements from the V/Essential line. Thanks to the formulation of these food supplements, the body takes in targeted ingredients, which help meet the needs of the different age groups of men and women. Our women’s multivitamin promotes the well-being of women between 20 and 45:

1. counteracting menstrual cycle disorders thanks to saffron;
2. reducing fatigue thanks to the presence of magnesium, vitamin B6, iron, and vitamin C;
3. Contributing to the maintenance of bones thanks to vitamin D Vitashine and magnesium and the maintenance of healthy hair and skin thanks to zinc bis-glycinate from Albion Minerals®.

For the needs of men of the same age group, however, we recommend the men’s multivitamin containing vitamin B1, Careflow® mango, iron, and copper bis glycinates from Albion Minerals®. Women entering a more mature age can take the supplement for women aged 45–50 and over, which provides practical help, especially during menopause. Other ingredients are inside, including folate Quatrefolic®, which contributes to normal muscle function and the immune system; sage to counteract menopausal disorders and aid digestion; and vitamin E, which helps protect cells from oxidative stress.

And What Can Men In This Age Group Do To Support Their Bodies’ Needs? 

For them, we recommend our supplement for men over 45, rich in ingredients including:

1. Ribocare® nucleotides, which convey energy in the body and participate in correct energy metabolism;
2. pantothenic acid, which helps reduce tiredness;
3. selenium, which promotes the normal function of the immune system.

Therefore, it is not necessary to ban red meat from your diet since, if eaten in modest quantities, it is good for the body. Otherwise, excessive and frequent consumption can increase the risk of developing various pathologies, such as cardiovascular ones. The most important thing is to guarantee your body’s proper intake of vitamins and minerals based on your needs.

Also Read: Which Flour Is Best For People With Diabetes? Best Ones

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