Meat Consumption in Relation to Health
June 22, 2019 | Abigail Mckay

Meat Consumption in Relation to Health


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Meat consumption has been a primary source of nutrition since the beginning of time. However, after years of research, can the increased incidence of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic medical conditions are tied to meat consumption? Let’s take a look.

 

Protein, a compound broken down to create amino acids is not stored in the body, so it is necessary to get protein from both plant and animal sources. Amino acids are used to fuel every metabolic process, and they are categorized into two groups, which are essential and non-essential. Plant proteins are not complete sources of amino acids, meaning that plant sources do not contain every amino acid necessary for proper body function.  However, meat is a comprehensive source of protein, which indicates that all the amino acids required for metabolic function can be found in animal protein. With that being said, a diet that is composed of both animal and plant protein can supply the essential amino acids necessary to sustain life. 

 

Meat is known as protein-rich food, but unfortunately, it is high in saturated fats and cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease, certain cancers, and stroke when eaten in excess. In contrast, plant-based protein has little to no saturated fats or cholesterol and has other positive benefits, such as high fiber content. So, what is the answer to the heated topic of meat consumption and the health consequences associated? It seems that a combination of both animal and plant-based proteins appears to be a healthy alternative to prevent the medical conditions that can be associated with a high animal protein diet. This style of eating should include non-processed proteins, such as red meat, white meat, seafood, eggs, beans, and nuts, among other things.  Moderation is always encouraged and is a critical component of any diet. In summation, to aid in preventing long-term health complications, it is essential to eat a well-rounded, non-processed diet, including both animal and plant protein with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

 

Nowadays, there are so many eating styles, which include vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, and soy free, to name a few. Before altering your current diet, consult with your physician, and research the health consequences and benefits. While processed meat consumption can indeed lead to severe health conditions, in moderation, there is little evidence to support significant health risks.  To discuss diet modifications, speak with an online doctor in Pakistan.

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Abigail Mckay

Abigail has been a nurse for five years, and throughout her time as a nurse, she has worked in multiple medical-surgical units as well as spent time in the infusion therapy clinic and endoscopy lab. She is passionate about preventative medicine through patient education regarding nutrition and exercise. Due to her passion, Abigail has gone on to earn two certifications including a certification in medical-surgical nursing (CMSRN) and a certification in holistic nursing (HNB-BC), in hopes of being able to better serve her patients. Abigail earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA and now bettering patient education in the healthcare system through partnering with American TelePhysicians.