As there is nothing without negative as well as positive effects, let us look into the effect of eating too much red meat in the human body. It is true that red meat is mostly consumed these days for reasons of taste or preference. However, many researchers have come up with varying theories around the world about the benefits and angers of eating red meat excessively.
Specialists usually classify red meat as muscle meat from beef, pork, lamb, goat, or other land mammals. On one hand, red meat is a good source of certain nutrients, especially vitamin B-12 and iron. The human body needs these nutrients to produce new red blood cells.
Red meat is also high in protein, which is necessary for building muscle, bone, other tissues, and enzymes. Researchers say that red meat contains important nutrients, including protein, vitamin B-12, and iron. However, there is evidence to suggest that eating a lot of red meat can raise a person’s risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and other health concerns.
Effect of Eating Too Much Red Meat
Many effect of eating too much red meat will be highlighted here for your knowledge. This discussion will dwell on both the good (the positive effects) and bad sides of it. Past research has tied red meat to increased risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. The studies have also pointed to an elevated risk of mortality from red meat intake.
But most of these studies were done over limited periods of time, had design flaws, or were done in populations with diets other than that of the typical American.
A new study adds to the evidence that eating red meat on a regular basis may shorten your lifespan. The findings suggest that meat eaters might help improve their health by substituting other healthy protein sources for some of the red meat they eat.
However, some research has linked regular consumption of red meat to a number of health problems, such as heart disease, some cancers, kidney problems, digestive issues, and mortality. Leaner cuts of unprocessed red meat, such as sirloin steaks or pork tenderloin, may be more healthful than other types. This is because they are unprocessed and do not contain excess salt, fat, or preservatives. Processed red meats — including bacon, hot dogs, sausage, bologna, salami, and similar meats — appear to carry the highest risk of health problems.
Good Side of Red Meat
Red meat contains nutrients that are beneficial to health, including iron, vitamin B-12, and zinc.
Animal based foods, such as meat and dairy, are the main dietary sources of vitamin B-12. For this reason, people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet may need to take supplemental B-12 in order to prevent B-12 deficiency anemia.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, one 3.5-ounce (oz) or 100-gram (g) serving of uncooked ground beef contains:
- 247 calories
- 19.07 g of fat
- 17.44 g of protein
- 1.97 milligrams (mg) of iron
- 274 mg of potassium
- 4.23 mg of zinc
- 2.15 micrograms of vitamin B-12
Many factors can affect the nutritional value of a specific piece of meat. For example, cuts from different parts of the animal vary in their calorie and fat content. Also, the way the farmer raised the animal, the animal’s diet, and even the animal’s age and sex can affect the nutritional value of the meat.
Bad Side of Eating Red Meat
- Heart Disease
Many different studies have suggested that eating red meat regularly can lead to a higher risk of heart disease. For years, experts have believed that the link between red meat consumption and heart disease is due to the saturated fat that is present in red meat.
They suggest that eating high amounts of saturated fat and any amount of trans fat can raise a person’s cholesterol levels and increase their risk of heart disease. They therefore recommend that people limit the amount of red meat they eat and encourage people to choose lean cuts of meat.
- Cancer and Early Death
Some recent research suggests that eating red meat regularly could increase the risk of cancer or death. The findings of specific studies vary, however. One 2015 paper states that red meat is “probably carcinogenic to humans,” and that processed meat is “carcinogenic to humans.”
This is consistent with the World Health Organization’s (WHO)Trusted Source classifications. Specifically, the paper states that based on several large studies, people who ate more red meat were more likely to develop colorectal cancer. The risk was higher for both red meat and processed meat, though processed meat seemed to raise the risk more.
- Dehydration
One study from the University of Connecticut found a that high-protein diet can cause the kidneys to produce more concentrated urine, causing dehydration. This can affect everything from your energy levels, to your skin, to increased food cravings and even muscle cramps.
- Constipation
To alleviate any constipation, lower your intake of meat and up your intake of complex carbohydrates as well as fruits and vegetables.
- Increased Risk Of Vision Loss
High consumption of red meat is linked to increased risk for age-related macular degeneration, the number one cause of blindness among older Americans.
