Is Meat Good for You

There are people who cannot even imagine 'meal without meat'. But it has been observed that these days, more and more people are choosing vegetarian diet. So the question is whether it is essential to include meat in your diet or you can well do without it? Is meat good for you? If it is good, then how much meat is enough and when it gets too much? Let us sort out all these questions to keep your diet healthy and balanced.

Health Benefits of Meat

Meat is packed with proteins, vitamins and minerals. We all know that protein is necessary for efficient metabolism and good functioning of all organs and so we cannot underestimate the value of meat as a source of protein. Scarcity of protein can badly affect your vital organs, like heart and liver. Meat contains almost all amino acids.

Meat is rich in vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12, which enhance the functioning of the nervous system and liver. These vitamins are useful for healthy eyes, skin and hair. Anemia, memory loss and weaker immune system can be experienced if there is scarcity of B vitamins. Meat and some dairy products are considered as the main source of vitamin B12. Vitamin A and D are also present in meat. Vitamin A is required for good vision. It also supports bone and teeth development and offers you healthy skin. Vitamin D promotes calcium and phosphorus absorption, which in necessary to maintain healthy bones and teeth.

Minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium and selenium are present in meat. Iron strengthens your immune system, while zinc controls the process of regeneration and maintains the optimal balance in organism. Selenium is required for easy breakdown of fat and other chemicals in the body.

Meat contains fats named linoleic acid and palmitoleic acid which play an important role in preventing your body from cancer and harmful viruses. Good fat can offer you more energy and can help improve your body's resistance to surrounding environment and unfavorable conditions. Good fat is essential for the development and functioning of the brain. Thus, meat is needed to have intelligent brains as well. These were the main benefits of eating meat.

Bad Effects on Health

Instant answer to the question 'is meat good for your health' can be 'yes', but there are also good evidences which suggest that 'eating too much' of the 'wrong types' of meat can be problematic for some. For example, over 100 epidemiological studies have proved that there's a relationship between cancer and meats. Although more studies are required to prove that consumption of meat increases the chances of having cancer, it is better to restrict the intake of meat until the facts are clear.

The question 'is meat good or bad for you' cannot be answered in one word. It needs explanation. Yes, meat is good for you; but it is good when you 'cook it right and cut the fat'. Doctors say that red meat should be eaten occasionally and it would be better if you don't eat red meat at all. According to the American Dietetic Association, lean beef is as good as skinless chicken when it comes to lowering cholesterol. But according to study reports, too many antibiotics, hormones and other drugs are given to animals raised in mass factory farms and they are fed an unhealthy mix of pesticide-laden grains. Eating meat of animals raised on corporate factory farms is thus unhealthy for human beings. Animals should be raised in humane and natural (raised on pastures or grass fed) conditions. Studies have shown that grass fed beef contains less fat and more omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and other beneficial nutrients compared to grain-fed beef. Frying, searing, grilling, broiling or cooking red meat at high temperatures triggers the production of heterocyclic amines, chemicals that may cause cancer.

There exist various types of meat and eating too much of the wrong types of meat can increase the disease risk for most people. Meat eaters should not avoid other healthy foods mentioned in the food guide. It is possible that most meat eater's diet tends to be high in calories, high in saturated fat, and low in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, etc. Meat eaters should include both meat and high fiber foods, fruits, and veggies in their diet. A balanced diet is a key to healthy life.

Processed meats and blackened or charred heavily grilled meats are the most problematic meats. Diarrhea after eating red meat can be easily prevented. Red meat should be cooked well enough so as to destroy the harmful effects of E.coli bacteria. The minimum temperature to cook red meat is 160°F. Remember, you should not put the cooked meat in the same container where the uncooked meat was kept. Avoid eating any meat that has been kept in refrigerator in the raw state for more than two days.

Similarly, including lean cuts of meat is essential to avoid unwanted fat that increases the risk of obesity and the consequent health hazards. Do you know that too much protein affects your health seriously? Knowing recommended protein intake may help you know in detail, how much meat should be included in your diet.

Raw meat diet is sometimes suggested; since over-cooking destroys some necessary enzymes and proteins. But eating raw meat can cause food poisoning and may increase the risk of salmonella infection, resulting in a severe stomach upset, diarrhea and nausea. Tapeworm infection, abdominal pain can also be experienced after eating raw meat.

You may eat the right kind of meat in the right amounts and thus meat can definitely fit in to an overall healthy diet. Besides health, meat is a solid part of a muscle-building or muscle-preserving diet. The high protein, B-vitamin, iron and zinc content is definitely important.