Running head: HEALTH BENEFITS OF EATING MEAT 1

Health Benefits of Eating Meat

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Deciding what to eat and what not to eat is a complex situation that needs deliberation.

For instance, the meat controversy has been a topic of discussion where some people argue that

meat has healthy proteins, while others feel that meat is carcinogenic. With all the research

conducted to support the benefits of eating beef, it is argued that moderate consumption is

beneficial to health (Station, 2017). It is important to eat beef since this helps in the process of

muscle building and tissue repair. The protein that are present in one serving of beef contains

amino acids that we need to build muscles and repair tissues (Ipatenco, 2018). The proteins that

are found in the beef products assist the body in the production of hormones and enzymes that

are required by the body. A lot of protein consumption has also been linked to weight loss owing

to its ability to satisfy hunger and reduce appetite after consumption (Station, 2017).

Beef also contain iron that is more easily absorbed in the body. This makes red meat an

important source of iron in the body. This iron is essential for the red blood cells to enhance the

delivery of oxygen to the body cells (Station, 2017). This way, the meat helps to strengthen the

red blood cells, better immune health and promote an overall well-being for the consumer. Meat

also serves as an essential source of mineral that our bodies use in the bone marrow, liver,

muscles and the spleen. Iron is arguably important for its capacity to assist our bodies to avoid

conditions such as anemia; a condition whereby an individual’s body has inadequate healthy red

blood cells (Ipatenco, 2018). The consumption of iron in the meat helps the body in providing a

better immune strength and this makes it possible for the body to acquire different benefits.

Meat contains a healthy dose of zinc, which is an important mineral that our bodies need

to perform different bodily functions. The zinc plays a critical role since it supports normal

development during the process of infancy, childhood and adolescence (Smil, 2014). Where iron

deficiencies can cause fatigue, weaknesses, peptic ulcers and a poor immune system. Thus, a
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better consumption of meat increases and assists the immune functions, the process of DNA

synthesis and the process of cell division (Anderson & Barrett, 2016). Finally, it is arguably

important to note that meat is essential in the enhancement of the digestive system. Red meat has

B-12 vitamins which promotes the development of a healthy nervous system (Ipatenco, 2018).

Stronger bones are associated with the beef products that are found to increase the density of the

bones as well as the strength. In essence, meat has more benefits to the body in terms of

metabolism, absorption of iron, bone health and regulation of appetite (Anderson & Barrett,

2016).

However, despite these positive attributes of red meat, it is important that one takes

caution on the amount of meat being consumed and the intervals. This is to reduce the risks of

obesity, being overweight resulting in diabetes. More so, continued consumption of meat is also

attributed with some types of cancers. Red meat is associated with some types of cancers such as

colorectal cancer. Research suggests that consuming processed and red meat may increase the

risk of colorectal cancer by 20-30% (Smil, 2014). Red meat is also associated with diabetes.

according to the research conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, people who have

been used to taking more red meat has a 50% chance of being diabetic.

From the research conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA), red meat can

lead to heart diseases. This is because this meat has saturated fats compared to other sources of

proteins. Consuming high amounts to this fat raises the cholesterol levels and this may increase

the possibilities of heart diseases. The nutrients contained in red meat are sufficient when taken

in the right proportions but when consumed in excess, this is where heart problems may start

arising. Another study conducted at Harvard shows that huge intake of red meat can also
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contribute to an early death. People consuming more red meat die mostly from cancers and

cardiovascular conditions as well as diabetes that are all related to the meat.

In conclusion, red meat can be a good source of proteins but is important to keep the

intake in check. Beyond the advantages that it can bring to the body, there are other negative

aspects related to this meat which might include being overweight, and getting other diseases

such as cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

References

Anderson, E. C., & Barrett, L. F. (2016). Affective beliefs influence the experience of eating

meat. PLoS One, 11(8).

Ipatenco S. (2018, December). 4 Health Benefits of Eating Red Meat | [Link].

Retrieved 1 March 2020, from [Link]

health-benefits-of-eating-red-meat/

Smil, V. (2014). Eating meat: Constants and changes. Global Food Security, 3(2), 67-71.

Station, P. (2017, May). The Top 4 Benefits of Beef. Retrieved 1 March 2020, from

[Link]