Red meat: it’s a guilty pleasure for many people. A tender steak or a seared pork chop are regular mainstays in the diets of vast majorities of the population. But red meat, such as beef, pork and lamb, are not as good for as they taste. There are many dangerous concerns with eating too much red meat, and increasing research is surfacing that indicates red meat as the culprit behind some of the worth health conditions. Whether its plant-based protein or just leaner types of meat, there are healthier alternatives to red meat that your body will thank you for choosing. Do you eat red meat quite often, or even every day? If so, you may want to consider reducing your meat intake in the very near future. If you’re looking for some extra motivation to ween yourself off, check out these 7 reasons to stop eating red meat.
Causes increased inflammation
The high levels of saturated fat and iron cause red meat to be a dangerous agent of increased inflammation. Inflammation may not sound like such a big deal but over time, it is said that it can lead to heart disease, arthritis, and even cancer.
Classified as carcinogenic
Many studies are now suggesting that red meat is likely carcinogenic, or cancer causing. Leading health organizations are now recommending that people limit red and processed meat because of its danger to human health. Some studies have concluded that red meat is as carcinogenic as arsenic.
Encourages weight gain and obesity
Research has shown that many women lose weight when they eat more fish, as opposed to red meat. This is because fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for you, whereas red meat is chocked full of saturated fat.
Shortens life span
Because of all the health risks associated with prolonged consumption of red meat, researchers are discovering that eating red meat can decrease your life span. Alternatively, studies have shown that consumption of lean meat and plant-based proteins can improve quality and length of life.
Possibly affects mental capacities
Some research has even suggested that consumption of red meat can heighten the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This is due to the build up of iron that occurs when eating too much red meat on a regular basis.
Potentially causes bad body odor
This might be hard to believe, but eating red meat can actually alter your natural body odor. Our bodies are porous, and everything we put into our bodies comes out, including through our skin pores. Studies have shown that the amino acid in red meat can leave residue in your digestive tract, that can build up leading to increases sweating and smelly body scents.
Causes kidney issues
It is not uncommon that people develop a condition called kidney stones, as well as other kidney problems, from eating red meat in excess. This is due to protein build up, which causes serious malfunction in the kidneys. Kidney stones are very painful and challenging to deal with, one of many reasons that red meat just isn’t worth the trouble it can get you into.
