Advantages and disadvantages of red meat

Meat is usually considered the "main course" in any table or fundamental element of the meal; however, the role of this food has been, and is often, questioned by vegetarians and some nutritionists

Despite the debate between followers and detractors, many experts have concluded that completely suppressing red meat from the diet can deprive the body of a significant number of vitamins and certain groups of proteins that can not be achieved by other means. the same abundance and quality.

As you will surely ask yourself if you should or should not consume red meat, we present some of the points for and against your consumption, in order to inform and base your decision.

DELICIOUS, BUT ...

Meat or muscle animal fiber is a food that is severely criticized because it is often related to diseases such as obesity, heart problems, high cholesterol and even certain types of cancer; However, these statements are half-truths that must be qualified in order not to fall into extremist positions.

In the first place we can say that, in fact, the considerable abuse of red meats in the diet of the Western human being has favored the increase of deadly or disabling diseases, because through this food important amounts of certain substances are ingested which in other circumstances would be beneficial. The most striking and alarming case is cholesterol, a fatty compound that is required to regulate various functions of the organism at the cellular level, but in large quantities can aggravate diseases such as high blood pressure (hypertension) and trigger such delicate problems as atherosclerosis (accumulation of fats and clogging of the veins) and cardiac arrest. It is also worth mentioning the case of uric acid, which normally facilitates movement and body movement, but in large quantities causes disabling pain and gout, which is inflammation in one or several joints due to the crystallization and accumulation of this compound.

Much of this problem is accentuated because the avid followers of dishes based on red meat have other risky practices: they exercise little, consume tobacco or alcohol, undergo intense work sessions and their diet includes a small number of fruits and vegetables.

Another notable problem is derived from the way in which this food is prepared, since when the meat is cooked and browned directly on a live fire (charcoal or firewood), carcinogenic compounds are formed that generate tumors in the stomach, large intestine and thin . The risk of this problem increases if the diet is based on low food diversity, where there are no products of plant origin rich in fiber and vitamins C and E.

A healthy diet is based on the diversity of foods, since there is not a single product capable of providing all the nutrients our body requires; Hence, the best position that can be taken before the consumption of red meat is to find an intermediate point that, being frank, few get today.

Thus, it must be said that neither the staunch meat consumers nor the vegetarians have the absolute truth, and that the key to a good diet is to provide the correct amount of nutrients obtained through the different food groups:

• Cereals, rich in carbohydrates and vitamins.

• Oils and fats, which provide energy.

• Meat, fish and egg, which are a source of protein and B complex.

• Milk and its derivatives, because they provide calcium and proteins.

• Vegetables and fruits, whose main contributions are fiber, minerals and vitamins, mainly A and C.

• Legumes, which provide minerals and fiber.

In addition, it should be considered that of the total food consumed in one day, 55% or 60% should be carbohydrates, 30% fat and 15% or 10% proteins. In other words, red meat should be consumed moderately compared to other products, such as bread, fruits and vegetables.

Finally, it should be noted that abuse in the consumption of red meat can cause severe health problems, but also that suppressing this food deprives the body of B complex, proteins and a significant number of vitamins and minerals. As in so many things in life, the key is in the moderation and healthy balance of the essential nutrients that we need to develop a healthy and strong body.

Any questions you have about the amount of food your body requires and in what proportions they should provide it, can be cleared by a general practitioner or a nutritionist. It is for your health and to maintain in optimum functioning that extraordinary creation that is the human organism.