TO EAT MEAT, OR NOT TO EAT MEAT, THAT IS THE QUESTION
TO EAT MEAT, OR NOT TO EAT MEAT, THAT IS THE QUESTION
In the past few months there have been multiple articles in both scientific journals and the lay press that have presented conflicting information about the health ramifications of eating meat. Who to believe?
Check out this article in the Annals of Internal Medicine trying to interpret the confusing conclusions from the various studies, as well as Med Page Today and CNN.com articles commenting on the same topic:
https://annals.org/…/2…/meat-consumption-health-food-thought
https://www.medpagetoday.com/primarycare/dietnutrition/82492
https://www.cnn.com/…/red-meat-low-quality-evide…/index.html
The basic conclusion: It’s complicated. Studies with design limitations have shown harm sometimes and no harm other times.
For some time, medical and science organizations have been beating the drum that red and processed meat are bad for you. For almost as long, they have lamented that their efforts to inform the public have not convinced enough people to change their consumption.
One finding from the studies reviewed by Valli and colleagues that may hold promise is that there are many reasons other than health to reduce meat consumption. Ethical concerns about animal welfare can be important, as can concerns about the effects of meat consumption on the environment. Both of these issues might be more likely to sway people, and they have the added benefit of empirical evidence behind them. And if they result in reducing meat consumption, and some receive a small health benefit as a side effect, everyone wins.
My opinion? Animal meat IN MODERATION is unlikely to cause significant harm. What is more important? Ensuring ample intake of foods with truly nourishing characteristics – fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, and healthy fats. Hit the goal of 25-30 grams of fiber daily. Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugary foods and drinks.
If you or someone you know would like to get on the road to healthier eating and learn how powerful food as medicine can be, please contact us today. We have a fantastic team including a Registered Dietitian, Nurse Practitioner, and Behavioral Counselor here to help support the use of whole foods in your diet, investigate laboratory abnormalities, and help you develop lifelong habits for improving your health and well-being. We also have a comprehensive weight management program to try to fully optimize your nutrition and wellness. Call 224.407.4400 or visit compgihealth.com to learn more!