Meat
2.6 - Why Do I Have to Give up Meat?
People quickly become nutrition experts when you talk to them about your diet, and they often voice concern when you tell them you don’t eat meat. One of the most common questions you will hear is “where will you get your protein?” It is a question born out of concern and nourished by decades of misinformation. We will answer the question more thoroughly in the next section, but for now, let’s talk about why meat is an inefficient source of protein.
The meat industry has a long history of influencing those who tell us what to eat for good health. They sit on the advisory boards of the USDA’s nutrition guidelines committee. They spend millions of dollars each year on advertising, research, and lobbying efforts. But they never talk about the risks:
Heart Disease: Meat consumption has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease due to its direct contributions to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries).
Cancer: Meat consumption has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. In addition to the carcinogenic effects of animal protein itself, processed meats contain compounds that may promote cancer formation.
Type 2 Diabetes: Meat consumption has been associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This could be due to its heme iron content and other components in meats affecting insulin sensitivity.
Obesity: Meat tends to be calorie dense and may contribute to weight gain and obesity.
Kidney Disease: High-protein diets, especially from animal sources like meat, can strain the kidneys over time and may worsen kidney function in individuals already at risk.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Some people may experience digestive issues such as constipation or discomfort from a diet high in red meat, particularly if it's processed or cooked at high temperatures.
Environmental Impact: While not a direct health risk, diets high in meat contribute significantly to environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, which indirectly impact public health.
People quickly become nutrition experts when you talk to them about your diet, and they often voice concern when you tell them you don’t eat meat. One of the most common questions you will hear is “where will you get your protein?” It is a question born out of concern and nourished by decades of misinformation. We will answer the question more thoroughly in the next section, but for now, let’s talk about why meat is an inefficient source of protein.
The meat industry has a long history of influencing those who tell us what to eat for good health. They sit on the advisory boards of the USDA’s nutrition guidelines committee. They spend millions of dollars each year on advertising, research, and lobbying efforts. But they never talk about the risks:
Heart Disease: Meat consumption has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease due to its direct contributions to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries).
Cancer: Meat consumption has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. In addition to the carcinogenic effects of animal protein itself, processed meats contain compounds that may promote cancer formation.
Type 2 Diabetes: Meat consumption has been associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This could be due to its heme iron content and other components in meats affecting insulin sensitivity.
Obesity: Meat tends to be calorie dense and may contribute to weight gain and obesity.
Kidney Disease: High-protein diets, especially from animal sources like meat, can strain the kidneys over time and may worsen kidney function in individuals already at risk.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Some people may experience digestive issues such as constipation or discomfort from a diet high in red meat, particularly if it's processed or cooked at high temperatures.
Environmental Impact: While not a direct health risk, diets high in meat contribute significantly to environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, which indirectly impact public health.