My phone alerted me earlier this week with a news update. Usually the alerts report political news, climate change, a traffic delay or the city’s latest homicide. Imagine my surprise when the alert was reporting the latest study informing us that red meat may not be as unhealthy as previously thought. Sweeeeet!
WHERES THE BEEF?
You may remember an ad for Wendy’s years ago with a crotchety old lady complaining about the size of the meat in her hamburger. “Where’s the beef?” With all the negative press has gotten over the years, many of us have cut back and it has left us wondering the same thing.
THINGS ARE DIFFERENT
10,000 years ago, the beef people ate was quite different than we eat now. Back then cows roamed free, ate grass, insects and other foods natural to them. Fast forward to today. The New York strip you enjoy likely came from animals raised in a factory, fed grain-based feed and given growth-promoting hormones and antibiotics. Yummy!
DIFFERENT MEATS
Healthline.com tells us it important to distinguish between different types of meat. There is processed meat like sausage and bacon. Conventional red meat (including lamb, pork as well as beef) is fairly unprocessed however factory farmed. Then there is your white meat like chicken and turkey. Last but not least we have grass fed organic meat which comes from animals that have been naturally fed and raised organically without drugs and hormones. They don’t have any artificial chemicals added. It contains heart-healthy omega-3s, the fatty acid CLA and higher amount of vitamins A and E.
THAT’S RIGHT…
Although some may argue, apparently red meat is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. Really? It is loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and various other nutrients that can have profound effects on your health. It is reported to have the following.
- Vitamin B3 (niacin): 25% of the RDA
- Vitamin B12: 37% of the RDA (this vitamin is unattainable from plant food)
- Vitamin B6: 18% of the RDA
- Iron: 12% of the RDA
- Zinc:32% of the RDA
- Selenium:24% of the RDA
Red meat is a protein also rich in important nutrients like creatine and carnosine which non-meat eaters are often low on.
HUMMMMM…
Some studies show a link between meat intake, diabetes, heart disease and increased risk of cancer. Other studies suggest this only applies to processed meat not unprocessed meat. Healthline.com says that several controlled trials indicate that the intake of unprocessed red meat does not have negative health effects (as long as your meat isn’t charred or smoked) and may even have some benefits.
IN SUMMARY
As long as you choose unprocessed and preferably grass-fed red meat and avoid burnt or charred pieces, there is probably nothing to worry about. Along with a previous blog about the benefits or red wine and today’s report of beef (in moderation of course), let’s celebrate a healthy, happy you. Although today’s blog has nothing to do with ultrasound, don’t hesitate to call if we can help at 505-350-3397.
Bon Appetit!