Are there benefits to eating meat?

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People have various opinions regarding the consumption of meat products. 
The current trend is that Americans are consuming less meat. Beef Consumption has
dropped 15% in the past decade (U.S. Beef and Pork Consumption Projected to Rebound, 2016).

There are many reasons why someone may or may not consume meat, including personal or religious preferences and perceived health benefits (positive or negative).

I am here to sort out the facts for you. So look no further! I am going to list the positives and negatives of consuming red meat so you can ultimately make the best decision that fits YOUR lifestyle.

Meat has 3 components:
1. Water = 75%
2. Protein = 20%
3. Fat, Carbohydrates, and Minerals = 5%

These components vary depending on the kind and cut of meat. The food labels on meat products in grocery stores may say “lean” or “extra lean”.

Lean meat has: Extra lean meat has:
- less than 10 grams of fat - less than 5 grams of fat
- 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat - less than 2 grams of saturated fat   
- less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol - less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol

Now let’s get into the positives and negatives of meat products!

Some meat products have a higher saturated fat content than others. Saturated fat is a concern because it increases our bad cholesterol in the blood and has been linked to cardiovascular disease. Because saturated fat is primary found in animal products, especially red meat, it is recommended that consumption of these products decrease. But not all meats are high in saturated fat (as shown above).

So, what are the positives/benefits?
  • The protein in meats contain all of the essential amino acids.
  • Lean meats are a good source of: thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and other B vitamins.
  • All meat is an excellent source of iron.
  • Meat also supplies copper and other trace minerals
Ultimately, meat can provide a variety of nutrients and minerals for the body, but it can also provide a high amount of saturated fat if certain kinds are consumed in excess. Lean and extra lean meat products are wiser choices for those with cardiovascular disease. Whether you choose to eat meat products is entirely up to you! At least now you know what some of the positives and negatives to consuming meat products are. You also have a better understanding of the different types of meat product labels you will see at your local grocery store.

-NB

References

Badau, F. (2016). U.S. beef and pork consumption projected to rebound. United States Department of Agriculture: Economic Research Service. Retrieved from https://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2016/september/us-beef-and-pork-consumption- projected-to-rebound/

Bennion, Marion, and Barbara Scheule.Introductory Foods. 14th ed., Prentice Hall, 2000.

Mahan, L. K. & Raymond, J. L. (2017). Krause's food & the nutrition care process. St. Louis, Mo.:Elsevier/Saunders.

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