Red Meat Health Benefits and Risks

As Americans become more and more health conscious, the debate over red meat intensifies. Red meat provides valuable nutrients that humans need in order to survive; however, it has some unpleasant and dangerous side affects. Both sides of this argument must be considered when making the decision to exclude red meat from your diet.

Red meat contains 4 vitamins and minerals vital to good health. Zinc, an important mineral that promotes healthy skin and immune system is found abundantly in red meat. Many children and teenagers, especially girls, have a zinc deficiency. Eating red meat only once or twice per week can cause deficiency. An important source of iron, red meat is loaded with it. Iron aids in the regeneration of red blood cells, necessary for oxygenating our blood. A lack of iron, seen often in women causes anemia and other disorders. Protein gives us energy and helps to keep our muscles healthy as well as our organs. It is essential for general health and repair of the body. Red meat contains a 'complete' protein, containing all amino acids not produced by the body. B vitamins which maintain blood formation and nerves cells are found in red meat. In fact B vitamins are only found in animal products. Red meat provides the human body with many important vitamins and minerals.

Like everything, red meat has its downfalls. Red meat has been shown to increase the risk of bowel cancer. As research show that a diet low in red meat reduces the chance of Alzheimer's, it stands to reason that a diet rich in red meat will increase the chance. Red meat, if eaten to the extreme, can effect bone health and lead to a greater risk of osteoporosis. A diet that includes eating red meat each day can double your chances of rheumatoid arthritis. Red meat can cause high cholesterol. A study by Harvard medical school seems to suggest that more than 100g a day of red meat can increase the risk of breast cancer. The side effects of red meat can be severe.

We have all heard the argument that we were made to eat meat. That our teeth and digestive systems were designed for us to be carnivores. That may true, but with advances in sciences, it is becoming clear that eating too much red meat may cause severe medical conditions.

http://www.slashfood.com/2006/11/27/pros-and-cons-of-eating-red-meat/