1. Slash Your Disease Risk
Red meat can increase your risk of colorectal cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies it as a probable carcinogen. The risk multiplies when manufacturers process it using nitrates.
When your gut breaks down red meat, it produces a chemical called haem that releases N-nitroso, damaging the cells lining your bowel. The genetic changes mean they’re more likely to go haywire by turning cancerous.
Additionally, meat consumption can increase your risk of acute illness. Contaminated meat products account for nearly 2 million foodborne illness cases each year. Salmonella and Campylobacter can be fatal, although it’s more likely that you’ll spend a few days feeling miserable.
2. Lower Your Cholesterol Numbers
Diets high in meat and rich in saturated fats increase your risk of high cholesterol. Specifically, they impact your LDL or “bad” cholesterol numbers. Heart disease remains the number one killer of men and women, and this stuff raises your risks, forming a sticky residue inside your veins and arteries that can lead to an attack.
However, you shouldn’t necessarily feel virtuous if you only consume chicken and fish. Researchers recently discovered that consuming red and white meat has similar impacts on your LDL numbers. Although the study was small, scientists recommend sticking to plant-based proteins if you run an elevated risk of heart disease.
3. Lose Weight
If you’re trying to shed excess pounds, cutting red meat from your diet can help. A lean cut of filet mignon contains nearly double the calories of a cauliflower steak twice its size.
The calorie count increases with fattier cuts of meat. For example, a single serving of 90/10 ground beef has only 184 calories while the same amount of 80/20 weighs in at 234. That creates a patty roughly the size of a single McDonald’s hamburger for reference. You can find extra-lean formulations of 96/4, although some people find these lack the fatty richness that makes burgers so appealing.
Your method of preparation likewise matters. Pan-frying bacon results in a single slice adding approximately 77 calories to your diet. The same serving baked in the oven only contains 44. However, sticking to plant-based foods is best for overall calorie reduction. For example, you could eat 12 apricots and still consume fewer calories than one small cheeseburger.
4. Increase Energy Levels
If you need a quick pick-me-up, you should reach for a plant-based snack over jerky. That’s because meat takes longer to digest than fruits and vegetables. While having protein will make you feel fuller longer, it won’t provide the speedy boost you need to power through the 3 p.m. doldrums.
However, the types of plant-based foods you choose matter. Those laden with ultra-processed white flours might perk you up but lead to a debilitating blood sugar crash that leaves you more tired than you were. Instead, stick to whole foods, such as an apple instead of a slice of pie or homemade baked sweet potato fries instead of salty chips.
5. Clear Your Conscience
Cutting red meat doesn’t only benefit your health. It also improves the planet’s well-being. Currently, meat production accounts for nearly 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Many experts harbour concerns that governments aren’t doing enough to combat climate change. However, it takes everyone’s contribution to make a difference. Cutting your red meat consumption is the perfect way to feel better physically and reap the sweet ego boost that comes with reducing your carbon footprint.
Benefits of Cutting Red Meat
Your diet affects your physical and mental health. Small changes can result in a big improvement. You can reap considerable health benefits by cutting your red meat consumption.
Whether you embrace Meatless Monday or go fully vegetarian, your health will thank you with these five perks.
*Collaborative Post
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