Are there benefits to eating meat?

-

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Do you struggle with pre and post exercise nutrition?

-
Image
What should i eat before and after a workout? First things first…carbohydrates, proteins and fats are important for the body before  and after exercise. Exercising muscle preferentially uses carbohydrates from stored glycogen, but fats are also an important fuel source for energy production during exercise. Fats and carbohydrates are the two major fuel sources during exercise. Fats must be translocated and broken down from their storage form before they are used. Typically there is enough carbohydrate stored as muscle glycogen for exercise but as muscle glycogen stores decline, the skeletal muscle will then use some amino acids (basic components of all protein). More specifically, the amino acid leucine is used for energy.              It is important to consume an adequate amount of carbohydrates exercise to delay fatigue and minimize gastrointestinal distress. It is also important to consume enough fluids to prevent hypohydration. Now, lets talk about pre-exercise me
Read more

Child Malnutrition

-
New approach to childhood malnutrition may reduce relapses, deaths http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150211124024.htm               Moderate acute malnutrition is experienced by 35 million children worldwide. A new study led by researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has suggested that feeding children until they have met target measures of arm circumference and weight may be more important than a set 12 week feeding time. However, researchers have found that the current targets, set by the World Health Organization (WHO) may not be sufficient and raising these targets slightly could significantly reduce the risk of relapse in malnourished children; a condition that has a 37% relapse rate. The study took place in rural Malawi and was comprised of 2,349 moderately malnourished children aged 6 months to 5 years old. Children were evaluated 12 months after treatment; 1,967 received a soy-based supplement for 12 weeks while the other 3
Read more

Harvest of the Month

-
Image
Harvest of the Month  August – Corn Good source of  fiber Carbohydrate source for energy Antioxidants Contains vitamins and minerals ½ cup or 1 ear = 80 calories   http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=90 September – Watermelon High in vitamin A and vitamin C Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory support 1 cup cubed = 46 calories http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=31 October – Apples High in fiber Vitamin C Abundant amount of antioxidants 1 medium = 95 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=15 November – Squash and Pumpkin High in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B2, B3 & B6 Many minerals  High in fiber Multiple antioxidant properties  1 cup = 76 calories  http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=63 December – Pears Contains fiber Vitami
Read more