Introduction
As with anything that is a hot discussion point, this question does not have a definitive answer. There are arguments against meat being healthy, and there are arguments for it.
Benefits of Eating Meat:
Meat is a high protein food source, rich in nutrition. The consumption of meat is said to reduce appetite and increase metabolism. Various studies and experiments show this to be true for some people.
Meat aids in muscle mass retention; the more protein you consume, the more likely you are to build muscle mass. This has proven to be most effective when combined with exercise.
Meat is also said to help bones become stronger, reducing the likelihood of fractures and breaks. Meat contains iron, and consuming meat is believed to be among the best ways to meet a human’s iron requirements.
Health Concerns around Meat Consumption:
Meat consumption could potentially lead to cancer. Studies around this area have revealed that risk arises from consuming processed meats. This also varies based on how the meat is cooked; for example meat cooked at high temperatures promotes the release of excessive nitrate, which can be detrimental.
Farming and raising animals for meat consumption also has a lot to do with the quality of meat that is made available. This means that those trying to maximise short term profits are likely to use every method available to them to increase production and drive costs down. This is done by way of various medications, unhealthy diets, artificial boosters, and often cruel killing methods.
All these factors affect the quality of meat. Anything that is put into the meat is consumed by people. If there are harmful products in the meat, those products are likely to harm us as well.
There are also a host of other diseases that have been linked to eating meat. These studies are a long way from conclusive, since humans are generally omnivores collecting accurate data around this matter can be difficult. Other foods could also cause the same illness that meat causes.
With some people switching to almost entirely carnivorous diets, data around the matter is increasing, but is not yet sufficient to either support or go against such a diet.
Conclusion
Meat does affect health; the effects can be positive and negative. With controls on the quantity consumed and the quality, it does seem like benefits outweigh the adverse effects.
FAQs
Is eating meat considered bad?
No. While in some cultures it is frowned upon or even entirely shunned, meat is an essential part of many cultures and their diet. While there are increasing movements to reduce the consumption of meat, it cannot be viewed as bad.
How can one eat meat and avoid its negative effects on health?
If you choose to eat meat, you also choose its negative and positive effects. Consuming any food and its impact on health is generally based on the quality of the product and the amount that you consume.
Is fish considered to be meat?
While some people abstain from all other meats except fish, it is still considered as meat. It is the flesh of an animal.
Are there other effects of meat consumption other than our health?
Yes, the commercial forces behind meat farming and distribution often come under heavy fire for their poor practices. There is a lot to be said about its environmental effects and cruelty to animals.
