While the dietitians urge everyone to eat a balanced diet, they are warning some people about consumption of red meat. These experts say that people with certain health conditions should avoid eating red meat altogether because of its high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol. However, red meat, like beef, mutton, etc, is a source of protein and other essential nutrients, but it can increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. So, people with some significant health conditions should avoid eating red meat for their own good. According to the dietitians, there are ten people who should not consume red meat.
People who should never eat red meat
People with High Cholesterol
One reason people with high cholesterol should avoid eating red meat is that it is high in saturated fat. Saturated fat can raise your cholesterol levels, which can lead to heart disease. According to research, a high intake of saturated fat can increase the relative risk of coronary heart disease by 18%, and consumption of red meat can increase the saturated fat significantly.
Moreover, the cholesterol coming from red meat clog up blood vessels. So, people with high cholesterol levels should eat leaner cuts of red meat or avoid eating red meat altogether.
Read How to Eat Red Meat Without Jeopardizing Your Health
People with Heart Disease
According to World Health Organization (WHO), about 17.9 million people each year die from heart diseases. And red meat is one of the main reasons for heart disease. Heart disease is a collective term for multiple types of heart conditions. The most common type is coronary artery disease. It can lead to a heart attack.
Coronary artery disease happens when plaque builds up in your coronary arteries. These arteries supply blood to your heart. Plaque contains cholesterol, calcium, fat, and other substances in the blood. Over time, plaque hardens and narrows your arteries, which limits oxygen-rich blood’s flow to your heart.
All these happen due to the intake of high cholesterol, and red meat is most responsible for such a condition.
Read Yummy Bengali Seafood Recipes to Try at Home
People with Alpha-gal Syndrome
Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy to the sugar found in red meat. The sugar is called galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, or alpha-gal for short. People with alpha-gal syndrome are allergic to alpha-gal. When they eat red meat, they have a reaction that can range from a mild rash, hives, heartburn, cough, diarrhea, and stomach pain to swelling in lips or eyes, or throat.
Consuming red meat can trigger these symptoms in people with alpha-gal syndrome, which is why people with the condition should avoid eating red meat.
People with Advanced Kidney Disease
Advanced kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys no longer function properly. The disease can progress quickly and lead to serious health problems if not treated. According to a study, people with kidney disease consuming the highest amount of red meat can increase the risk of end-stage kidney disease by 40%.
Read Rainy Day Homemade Snacks Ideas, Recipes to Enjoy with Family
People with Family History of Certain Cancers
Red meat has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly colon cancer. Family history is a risk factor for cancer, so people with a family history of colon cancer may be at an even higher risk if they eat red meat.
Even if you don't have any family history, regular eating of red meat can increase the risk of colon cancer. According to a Harvard study, people who ate about 5 ounces of red meat a day were third more likely to develop colon cancer. Besides, processed meat is also a risk factor for different cancers.
People Having One or More Risk Factors for Heart Disease
If you have at least one of the risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, not exercising, or being an unhealthier eater, red meat consumption will likely intensify your risk of coronary heart disease.
Read Cold Remedies: Best, worst drinks to boost immune, fight sickness
According to the University of Oxford's critical reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, consuming red meat - even in very small amounts - significantly increases a person's risk of heart disease. In fact, the study finds that for every 50 grams of red meat consumed per day, the risk of heart disease rises by 18%.
People Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Eating red meat has been linked to an increased risk of bringing back cancer. This is because red meat contains high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, which can promote the growth of cancerous cells.
In some cases, breast cancer dragonized patients may eat red meat in a low amount after being fully recovered. Additionally, growth hormones and other chemicals used in cattle often contribute to the development of cancer.
Read Natural Collagen-Rich Foods for Healthy Joints, Skin, Hair
Obese Person
As you already know, eating red meat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic health conditions. Obese people are already at a higher risk for these conditions, so eating red meat can further increase their risk.
Additionally, obese people tend to have high blood pressure and cholesterol, both of which can be worsened by eating red meat. Finally, red meat is typically high in saturated fat, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
People with Type 2 Diabetes
Red meat is a major source of saturated fat, which is a type of fat that may raise blood sugar levels. In addition, red meat is often high in calories and can contribute to weight gain, which is another factor that can lead to Type 2 diabetes. For these reasons, it is generally recommended that people with Type 2 diabetes avoid eating red meat.
Read Is Red Meat Good or Bad for You?
People with High Blood Pressure
Eating red meat has a link to an excessive risk of high blood pressure. This is because red meat contains high levels of saturated fat, which can raise your cholesterol levels and lead to the hardening of the arteries. So, anyone with high blood pressure should avoid eating red meat.
Final Words
So far, we have discussed who should avoid consumption of red meat. It is important to remember that everyone's body is different and what may be safe for one person may not be safe for another. So, if you have certain health conditions we have discussed here, you should not eat red meat. If you are unsure whether or not red meat is risky for you, it is always best to speak with your doctor first. They can help guide you in making the safest dietary choices for your health.