Should You Quit Eating Red Meat?
By Sara Butler
More and more people are moving toward plant-based diets in the United States. From a health perspective, that's not a bad thing. Even limiting the amount of red meat you eat can have a big impact on your overall health and wellness. Here are a few of the reasons you may want to at least reduce the amount of red meat you're eating for your health.
Increased Risk of Heart Disease
Red meat generally contains more saturated fat and cholesterol than other types of meat, including chicken and fish. Saturated fat and cholesterol can raise your blood cholesterol, which can worsen heart disease or lead to its development. Fatty red meats such as ground beef are what increases risk, so it's best to stick with leaner cuts of meat in your diet.
Increased Risk of Cancer
The risk for certain types of cancer can be increased by red meat. Bacon and other processed red meats especially have been connected to an increased risk of colorectal cancer as well as stomach cancer. It's thought that the heme iron found in red meat can play a role in the compounds that can lead to cancer.
Increased Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is thought to contribute to many chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The more you can do to reduce chronic inflammation, the better off you'll be. Red meat has several compounds that can contribute to chronic inflammation, so cutting down on the amount you eat or eliminating it can help your overall health.
Increased Risk of Diabetes
Studies have found that there is a link between red meat consumption and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes over time. The link may be due to obesity, but since high consumption of red meat is a risk factor for obesity, then it's also a risk factor for diabetes. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and including exercise in your daily regimen can go a long way in helping you to stay diabetes free, which is another reason to cut down on the red meat you may eat.
Enjoy Other Food Choices
There are so many other great food choices out there that you may not even miss eating red meat too much. Consider adding leaner meats such as bison to your diet. Other great options include:
- Salmon
- Chicken breast
- Beans
- Black bean burgers
No matter what you choose, make sure to keep an eye on your diet. It's one thing you have total control over that can make a big impact on your health.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Des Peres, Mo.