People usually find red meat very delicious because it is processed and fatty. But many of us don’t realize that red meat is also an invitation to many fatal diseases including obesity, cancer, and heart disease.

Red Meat

Health hazards of red meat
Red meat has high amount of saturated fats which tend to increase the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often known as bad cholesterol in the blood. An elevated level of LDL cholesterol increases the risk of coronary heart disease.
Large amount of fatty red meat also increases our overall calorie in the body leading to excess weight gain and obesity.
According to a study from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), diet having lots of red and processed meat (like salami, bacon, or deli meats), will lead to a shorter life span rather than people having non-processed white meat (skinless chicken and turkey) in their diet. This is mainly because red meat consumption increases the chance of developing heart disease and cancer.

Choosing a lean meat to enjoy red meat
Meat is often associated with proteins along with carbohydrates and the right kinds of fat. Proteins are the building blocks for our muscles, bones, cartilage, blood, and skin. The best type of red meat from health perspective is lean meat. For this, you should look for cuts of the animals with no visible fats (these often include the word “loin”).

In addition to lean meat cuts, other smart protein sources include:
•    Fatty fish: Fatty fish such as salmon, trout, and herring are high in a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids called omega-3 fatty acids. Eating these fish may reduce your risk of heart disease.
•    Seeds and nuts: Seeds and nuts like walnuts and flax are good sources of essential fatty acids. Others, such as sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, and almonds, are also good sources of vitamin E. They are all, however, very calorie-dense, so never forget to limit your portions.

Proper cooking of red meat

Proper Cooking of Meat

Lean meat also contains some amount of fat. To further reduce the amount of fat in cooked lean meat, you should broil, bake, roast, or simmer it, rather than fry. Discard any fat that is released during cooking. And some studies do suggest that consumption of overcooked meat can lead to cancer.

So, to keep a check on cholesterol, weight and various other diseases, always choose the lean meat and never overcook it. Being careful will lead to a healthier meal and happier lifestyle.

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