The Health Benefits of Eating Red Meat

Jul 30, 2019by Tom Pereira

Red meat provides a whole spectrum of nourishing nutrients that work to promote health and prevent certain diseases. But choosing quality meat is key to reaping these benefits. Read on to discover the health benefits of eating red meat and why quality over convenience matters!

Five Great Reasons to Eat More Red Meat

Red meat such as beef and lamb has been a staple food in human diets for thousands of years. Good quality red meat is a powerhouse of nutrition and a welcome addition to any diet.

Protein

Red meat provides a 'complete' source of protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids. This means you can meet protein requirements with one food source. Adequate protein helps maintain lean muscle mass, increase satiety, promote weight loss and boost the immune system.

Iron

Iron found in red meat is haem iron — the animal-based form that's easily recognised and better absorbed by the human body. Almost two thirds of the world's population are to some extent iron deficient. Red meat is one of the best solutions. Getting enough helps produce red blood cells, fight fatigue and ensure normal growth.

Vitamin B12

Red meat is rich in B vitamins and provides a significant dose of B12, which is scarcely found in plant-based diets. B12 plays a role in protecting almost every structure in the body, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, and is a key player in making new DNA and red blood cells.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is extremely hard to come by in a plant-based diet. Red meat provides Vitamin D in the active form D3 — ready to use in the human body. Essential for calcium absorption, maintaining healthy bones, muscles and joints, and linked with lowering risk of Alzheimer's Disease and Depression.

Healthy Fats

Red meat contains many healthy fats. Saturated fats found in red meat have been shown to raise levels of HDL ('good cholesterol'), promoting cardiovascular health — contrary to what the media has historically pushed. Fat is a macronutrient needed in large amounts: a major source of energy, needed to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, and provides structure in almost every cell in the body.

Choosing the Best Meat

Grass Fed — Nature's diet of grass, wildflowers and herbs
Pasture for Life — Allowed to roam freely, all day every day
Free from pesticides, herbicides, hormones and antibiotics
Get to know your butcher and local farmers — trust is key

Quality red meat that has been minimally processed is a rich source of several health-boosting nutrients. Choose ethically raised, minimally processed, maximum quality meat.