There are a lot of controversy and debate about meat. One fraction of people believes that meat is an essential diet. It contains high amounts of protein and other vital nutrients needed for proper body function. The other fraction thinks that meat is unhealthy and poses serious health factors. They also belief it is one of the causes of some chronic conditions. We are going to understand fact about meal. So, what is meat? Meat is flesh from different animals that humans prepare and cook. This flesh applies to both birds and mammals. The muscle tissues can be consumed as roast, chops and steak.
Meat doesn’t necessarily apply to muscle tissues. Some internal organs from animals are also prepared and consumed. These internal organs range from intestines, kidney, liver and brains. Some meat is deprived from domesticated animals, whereas others are derived from full grown animals.
Types of Meat
There are different types of meat. They are categorized depending on how they are prepared and the animal source. Here are some different types of meat:
- Red meat- Red meat looks red when raw. It is derived from mammals. Red meat is the commonly consumed meat across the globe. This meat contains iron-rich protein myoglobin. Beef, lamb, pork, goat and veal are examples of red meat.
- White meat- White meat looks pale before and after preparation. It is lighter in color than red meat. Most white meat comes from birds. Chicken, goose, duck and turkey are some sources of white meat.
- Processed meat- Processed meat is any modified meat that has been used to enhance its general taste. There are different ways of processing meat. It can be through smoking, fermentation, curing and salting, among others. Luncheon meats, sausage, hot dogs and bacon are some examples of processed meat.
Nutrients found in Meat
A lot of people include meat in their diet because of the nutrients it contains. These nutrients enhance your health and general wellbeing. Below are some nutrients found in meat :
- Thiamin when combined with vitamin B regulates and promotes production of different types of chemical reactors. These chemicals help maintain good health. They also promote growth. Additionally, Thiamin regulates different metabolic reactions that produce energy. This nutrient is crucial for the general wellbeing of a person. Intake of low Thiamin might trigger loss of appetite, fatigue, irritability, depression and constipation. Pork contains high amounts of thiamin when compared to other meat.
- Riboflavin- This nutrient is vital for conversion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats to energy. Meat contains a significant percentage of Riboflavin. Riboflavin also facilitates and maintains a healthy skin. This nutrient also enhances good vision. Anyone who takes sufficient amount of Riboflavin increases the rate their bodies absorbs and utilization iron.
- Meat is also a good source of niacin, Vitamin b12, vitamin b6, vitamin k, Vitamin D and vitamin A. These nutrients play an essential role in the growth and normal functioning of organs in the body. In the long run, this promotes normal body functioning.
Do cooking methods have an effect on your health?
As we all know, there are different ways of preparing meat. It can be boiling, roasting or frying, among others. Medical experts state that the selected method of preserving meat has an effect on your health. Some preparation methods can negatively affect your health. Smoked, barbecued or grilled meat at high temperature make fat be released from meat. The fat then drips on the cooking surfaces. This results in the production of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, a toxic compound. This compound might get soaked inside the meat. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons compound linked with cancer. Therefore, reduce the amount of smoke and wipe off any drip can reduce production of this toxic compound.
Some people prefer processed meat to other types of meat. Processed meat contains different types of additives. People had a perception that these additives were actually beneficial for the body. Nitrites are additives found in processed meat. Medical researchers have proven it can cause cancer.
Is Red meat bad for the body?
Red meat can be beneficial and harmful for the body. It depends on how you prepare them and the frequency you consume red meat. Below are the benefits of red meat:
- Red meat is recommended for pregnant women. Consumption of red meat with regulation has been known to promote proper growth of the fetus. Red meat contains different types of nutrients. Additionally, red meat helps deal with depression during pregnancy. Depression is not recommended during pregnancy. It can affect normal fetus development.
- It boosts immunity of a person- Red meat contains high amount of zinc. This mineral improves the immunity of a person. Zinc contains antioxidants properties. These antioxidants help eliminate free radicals, linked to different chronic conditions. Protein found in red meat also helps the body produce antibodies that protect the body from bacteria and infections.
- It enhances digestion- Red meat is a great source of amino acids, which improve the functionality of digestive systems. Generally, our digestive system needs nine amino acids for proper digestion. They are valine, histidine, tryptophan, lycine, leucine, threonine, isoleucine, phenylalanine and methionine. Red meat contains all the nine amino acids.
- Red meat promotes muscle growth. It is known for containing high protein levels. Protein performs two functions. It repairs damaged tissues and muscles. It also promotes growth of new muscle tissues. Therefore, you should increase intake of red meat if you want to increase your muscles in the body.
- It promotes a healthy heart- Red meat contains different nutrients and minerals which promote a healthy heart. It also reduces the possibility of contracting some heart conditions such as stroke, heart attack and arrhythmias.
- Red meat improves blood circulation throughout the body. Iron, found in red meat improves blood circulation throughout the body. This ensures nutrients are supplied throughout the body within a short period. Lack of enough iron in the body results to general weakness and fatigue.
Red Meat and cancer
Red meat should be taken with moderation for positive results. However, some people consume more than the recommended number. High red meat intake can cause different types of cancer. That is breast cancer, kidney, prostate and digestive tract cancer. As earlier stated, there are different ways of preparing red meat. Preparing meat using high heat cooking can cause cancer. Consuming processed meat in large amount is also linked to cancer. Medical studies have revealed that preparing white meat under high temperatures isn’t linked cancer. This statement only applies to red meat.
Meat and heart conditions
Medical experts’ link processed meat with heart conditions. There are different types of processed meat to choose from. Some scientists further added that some additives used in processed meat trigger cancer. Consumption of red and white meat has not been linked with heart condition, provided you consume them with moderation. Consider raw and fresh meat to reduce the possibility of contracting heart condition.
Type 2 Diabetes and meat
Red meat and processed meat have been highly linked to type 2 diabetes condition. A person can contract type 2 diabetes if he consumes high amounts of red meat for a long period. Some processed meat is categorized as unhealthy meals. Long term consumption of unhealthy meat is linked with type 2 diabetes and other serious health conditions.
Meat, obesity and weight control
Processed and red meat has for a long time been linked to obesity. Consumption of high amounts of red and processed meat can reduced to weight gain. This is the reason it’s almost impossible to lose weight when you eat plenty of red or processed meat. Studies reveal that taking white meat doesn’t have significant difference on your body weight.
How to minimize the negative effects of meat and maximize its benefits
There are ways you can maximize the benefits of meat. Adhere to these steps and improve your wellbeing through meat. Here are the steps:
- Go for fresh meat. You have an option of choosing either processed or fresh meat. Processed meat contains additives, some of which are harmful. Focus more on fresh meat. It is healthier when compared to processed meat.’
- Consume some organ meat- Some people avoid this meat at all cost. However, some organ meat is more nutritious than muscle meat. Therefore, consume more organ meat.
- Reduce the amounts of time you use high heat cooking for meat preparation. You should also wipe off nay dripping fat due to high heat cooking. Your meat shouldn’t overcook or it will lose the vital nutrients.
- Don’t consume meat alone. Try and add some vegetables and other plant based foods on your diet. This ensures you consume a healthy diet, needed for proper body function.
- Go for cattle that feed on natural grass rather than grain.
Meat is both good and bad. It all depends on how the preparation method and your feeding habit. Consume meat with moderation to avoid contraction of some health conditions.
