On the Chopping Block: RED MEAT

Are all red meats the same? Apparently not. A recent study conducted at Harvard University concluded that “consumption of processed meats, but not red meats is associated with higher incidence of coronary heart disease and diabetes” In other words, it's the processing of the meat, rather than the meat itself that is associated with health problems.  Processed meat included bacon, salami, sausage and lunch meat. Unprocessed meats included beef, hamburger, pork and lamb.   Interestingly enough, the processed and unprocessed meats were found to contain the same amounts of saturated fat.   This suggests that it is likely due to other differences in the meat, such as added chemicals, sodium, and the removal of beneficial aspects such as iron during the processing, that are resulting in the health problems we typically associate with red meat.

So what does this mean for your diet?? Now, I wouldn't recommend running out and grabbing yourself a Big Mac at the nearest MickeyDee's, BUT what the study does show is that indulging in a juicy burger or scrumptious steak every once in awhile may not be as bad for you as you think.  Often the concern about eating red meat comes from its high saturated fat content.  Saturated fat increased blood cholesterol, especially the bad kind, LDL.  LDL increases your risk of heart disease.  However, red meat CAN still be part of a heart-healthy diet, it all comes down to what type of red meat, and how much you eat, how often.  Grass-fed beef is better than conventional beef.  In grass-fed beef the omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio is 1:3, a ratio similar to that found in most heart-healthy fish. Additionally grass-fed beef is loaded with vitamin E, as well as iron and important B vitamins.   Personally, I don't cook red meat very often.  I prefer a mostly plant-based diet, and I try to get my protein primarily from fish, tofu and lean meats like unprocessed chicken.  However, I love a good juicy burger or steak and I allow myself to indulge in red meat once in a while.

Our understanding of what is good and bad should not be black and white. The better you understand the differences in foods, what is important to look out for and what differences may not be so important, the better you'll be able to fuel your body with wholesome and nutritious food!