HEALTH: HOW HEALTHY IS IT FOR ME TO CONSUME RED MEAT.

 HOW HEALTHY IS IT FOR ME TO CONSUME RED MEAT.

In an average African society, it is a norm that the older folks are entitled to being served more meat in a meal than the younger folks. In scenarios when the meat is limited, the older folks consume all the meat, leaving the younger one with nothing. We forget to remember that these younger folks need to consume meat more than adults. This is because they have higher metabolic rate, need more protein for proper bone formation and building of muscle mass. 

Meats that are red when raw are the one called red meats. Red Meat is an important source of high quality protein which helps build bones and muscles, it is high in iron, it also has a relatively high quantity of saturated and trans fatty acid, it is rich in L-carnitine which is naturally occurring. The heme iron in red meat is easily absorbed by the body. Red meat also supplies vitamin B12, which helps make DNA and keeps nerve and red blood cells healthy, it also contains zinc which keeps the immune system working properly. 

.    Conventional red meats are fairly unprocessed. This includes lamb, beef, pork and some others.   Red meats also include processed meat which include bacon, sausage, hot dog, corn beef and many others. The question is how healthy is it for anyone to consume red meat? 

The bottom line is, the health risks of consuming red and processed meat outweigh any benefits. The less consumed, the better.  

For young and growing adults, the health risk and negative effects associated with beef consumption is lower compared to aging adults. Recent evidence from large prospective US and European cohort studies indicate that the long-term consumption of increasing amount of red meat and processed meat is associated with an increased risk of several health conditions and problems such as; Increase risk of heart disease, colorectal cancer, kidney problems associated with diabetes and other health conditions which consequently shortens life Span.

Now that we know the dangers associated with consuming red meat, what is the way forward. If not red meat, then what else? 

Well, we just have to consider alternatives. Cutting back on red meat offers a life-extending dividend. Here are the healthiest protein-rich replacements that can be substituted for red meat. They include: Fish, chicken and turkey, nuts (Peanuts), beans (Kidney beans, black beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, pinto beans, navy beans), low-fat dairy products and whole grains.