Risk of eating too much red meat

Red meat

                                           
Meat consumption is a hot topic these days.  We need protein for our bodies but a diet high in meat can contribute to increased risk for health problems such as high cholesterol and gout, as well as  straining our  kidneys, which  process our protein consumption.  The amount of protein we need to consume is based on our age and health. There are many resources available that can help you address specifically (if you would like to know) what the recommended number of grams of protein per day are optimal for you.  According to the USDA’s “2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” approximately 5.7 ounces of meat per day (spread amongst 2-3 meals) will suffice for most people.  A 3 oz. serving of lean meat provides approximately 160-200 calories, as well as all 9 essential amino acids needed for our overall health.  If you tend to gravitate to certain meats (chuck hamburgers, chicken breast), consider adding other meats to your diet such as: beef (there are 29 very lean cuts), turkey, lamb, and pork.

Varieties

There is, however, too much of a good thing.   Many medical studies have shown that high meat consumption can lead to:

Cardiovascular Diseases

Relevant studies have shown that excessive red meat in the diet is one of the factors in developing heart disease and atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits build up along the walls of the arteries.This is because red meat is high in saturated animal fat, which is known to increase cholesterol levels in the blood. High blood cholesterol leads to plaque buildup and narrowing of the arterial walls, which increases the likelihood of a heart attack.

Cancer

Red meat is also attributed to an increase in the risk of developing certain kinds of cancer, such as breast cancer, stomach cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer. Beef, pork and lamb contain molecules that produce carcinogens during the process of digestion. Even the common cooking process of red meat, such as grilling and roasting, can trigger the production of carcinogenic compounds.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Researchers believe that the high collagen content in red meat may provoke an inflammatory immune response in individuals, leading to the production of anti-collagen antibodies. This can lead to the development of rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, studies have revealed that eating lots of red meat may double the risk of acquiring this condition.

Hypertension

Some studies show that a high intake of red meat contributes to the development of high blood pressure. This is because red meat is a rich source of haem iron, a kind of iron which is easily absorbed by the body and is directly associated with elevated blood pressure. If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to stroke, kidney failure, heart failure or heart attack.