We are constantly bombarded with false or pseudoscientific information about nutrition and health, the consumption of meat and its derivatives. Meat is one of the foods most harmed by this propaganda. Today we clarify some myths and false beliefs about meat consumption that you should not believe.
1. Meat is not digested properly
Some people claim that meat is not digested properly and “rots” in the colon. This is absolutely false.
What happens when we eat meat is that stomach acid and digestive enzymes break it down. In the small intestine, proteins are assimilated and transformed into amino acids and fats are transformed into fatty acids. Therefore they do not settle in our colon and rot, this is a hoax.
For the human body There are other substances that are much more difficult to digest. than meat, such as the fiber of some vegetables, fruits, legumes and cereals, which are transformed into nutrients by the bacteria in the intestine since they cannot be decomposed in the stomach. And this is something absolutely harmless for our body.
2. Meat is high in harmful saturated fat and cholesterol
One of the main arguments against meat is that it tends to be high in saturated fat and cholesterol. But it has already been sufficiently demonstrated that The fats present in meat are not entirely harmful to health, since monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats provide many benefits while it is saturated fats that we have to control since they are related to a greater cardiovascular risk.
That is why the ideal is opt for lean cuts of meat, such as sirloin, loin... with a higher proportion of healthy fats (monosaturated and polyunsaturated) and less saturated fat.
It is also important take into account the feeding and upbringing of the animal since those raised organically and in freedom and fed with acorns or organic cereal, for example, present less fat and a higher proportion of intramuscular fat, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are very beneficial for our health.
Therefore, they are the fattiest cuts, those with the most saturated fats, which we should leave for more occasional consumption.
3. Red meat causes heart disease and diabetes
Oddly enough, meat is often blamed for diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Relatively recent diseases compared to meat consumption, which dates back to prehistory.
In 2015, for example, the World Health Organization claimed that eating processed red meat was as bad as smoking tobacco. Along these lines, a study from Harvard University indicates that eating a piece of unprocessed red meat a day increases the risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases or certain types of cancer such as colon and rectum by 13%, while the percentage It rises to 20% in the case of processed portions.
However, an international investigation published inAnnals of Internal Medicineon the consumption of red and processed meats determined that multiple studies, which for decades have pointed out the danger of these products for health, do not have sufficient foundation.
And as evidenced by a study recently published in the 'Journal of Nutrition' by researchers at Indiana University-Bloomington, the consumption of red meat does not increase the risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease or diabetes. “Most indicators of metabolic and cardiovascular health, such as insulin sensitivity and LDL cholesterol, did not differ between a diet with red meat and one without. The only significant difference observed was a shift toward a higher percentage of cholesterol carried in larger, more buoyant LDL particles.“, the researchers commented.
Even McMaster University in Hamilton (Canada) presented a report in 2018, based on experiments with 218,000 people from 50 countries, and endorsed by the European Society of Cardiology, which states that eating unprocessed red meat “is associated with a health benefit.”
Therefore There is no proven direct relationship between meat consumption and the risk of suffering from these diseases., but this risk is influenced by many other factors: genetics, lifestyle, bad habits, consumption of ultra-processed foods, sedentary lifestyle...
4. Humans are naturally herbivorous animals
Some vegans claim that men have not been “designed” to eat meat, but rather to eat a plant-based diet like primates.
But reality shows something very different. Humans have eaten meat and animal protein for thousands of years and our body is perfectly adapted to its consumption.
Our biology has goneadapting towards a more carnivorous diet, which has led to a series of adaptations such as a shortened digestive tract or greater brain development. There are also theories that suggest that the habitual introduction of meat into the diet led to the development of tools, changes in the physiognomy of hominids and evenboosted the cognitive development of our species. Definitely, eating meat made us human.
5. Meat is not necessary in our diet
In principle, no food is essential in the human diet, but it is clear that meat has been part of our food pyramid for millions of years. If you decide to stop eating meat, it is better that you replace its proteins with those from other foods so that your body does not suffer. The meat provides proteins of high biological value, vitamins mainly from the B complex and minerals such as iron, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, potassium or magnesium among others. The Spanish Society of Community Nutrition (SENC) recommends consume between 3 and 4 servings a week, about 500 grams in total, the same as fish, prioritizing lean cuts, to maintain good health. And it should also be taken into account that the healthiest ways to cook it are grilled, roasted and boiled and try not to cook it too much.
Meat is therefore a healthy and basic food in our diet, along with fresh, lightly processed and locally sourced products and always including it within an active and healthy lifestyle. Virtue lies in balance.
CONCLUSION: Be well informed before believing the first thing you read about nutrition and food since there are many hoaxes out there and certain foods tend to be demonized very easily. As you have been able to see Meat consumption is totally harmless, it all depends on the quality of the product, the way you consume it and adopting healthy habits and a varied and balanced diet.. Common sense, as always, is the most advisable.
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