Red meat has been blamed for a variety of different health maladies over the past few decades, from different forms of cancers to heart disease, even though the actual scientific evidence has been quite lacking. It has also been the target of campaigns claiming that meat consumption is destroying the planet, even though the opposite might be true – For more on that, check out this blog post from local licensed nutritionist Marissa Olsen.
When we take a step back and really look at red meat as a nutrition source, we find that it offers our bodies a number of different essential nutrients. In today’s blog, we take a deep dive into the nutritional benefits of red meat as part of a balanced diet.
The Nutritional Benefits Of Red Meat
We’re not saying that you should consume red meat as your only source of protein, because with any diet, variation and moderation is key. That said, you can get a number of different essential nutrients from red meat, including:
B Vitamins – Red meat is packed with essential B vitamins, which help with a number of different bodily functions. Moreover, B12 deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of neurological disorders, certain cancers, heart disease and infertility. Red meat is a great whole food source for other B vitamins as well, like thiamin, riboflavin, folate and niacin.
Vitamin D – Red meat can also help to boost vitamin D intake, which is especially helpful for people who don’t otherwise get a lot of vitamin D through diet or sunlight exposure. Studies have also found that vitamin D in red meat is more easily absorbed by the body than from other sources, like milk.
Iron – Red meat also contains a form of iron that is better absorbed and utilized by the body than other forms of iron found in plant foods. Iron has been linked to healthy growth and development of the fetal brain, suggesting that an adequate iron intake is important for expecting mothers.
Zinc – Red meat also tends to be a reliable source of zinc. Zinc is also commonly found in organ meats and certain shellfish, both of which are less popular here in the United States, meaning that red meat can be a regular sources of zinc for many Americans. Adequate levels of zinc has been linked to an improvement in many physiological functions.
Finally, red meat also offers some benefits over its white meat counterparts. Not only does red meat have significantly more vitamin B12, iron, and zinc than white meat, but it also has a better fatty acid profile. What this means is that the fat ratio inside the red meat remains relatively similar regardless of what the animal eats. The same can’t be said for white meat, which will be mostly saturated and monosaturated fats unless you shell out for the pasture-raised versions.
Red meat can be a nutrient-rich option when paired with other healthy dietary choices, but to learn more about how you can improve your individual diet profile, consider coming to our free wellness class on February 24. Learn more about the class, Marissa’s credentials and sign up for the free group class on this page!