Earlier this week I discussed how our over-consumption of meat can effect the environment in my article, “Meet your Meat: How Meat Impacts your Environment.”
Now it’s time to discuss the impact that an over-consumption of meat can have on your body. Again, I want to stress that it is natural to eat meat and (as an ex-vegetarian myself) I’m not promoting vegetarianism. Although there’s nothing wrong with being a healthy vegetarian, there’s also nothing wrong with eating meat, or anything else, in moderation. Meat, cake, alcohol, fruit and veggies -- too much of one thing is never good.
Today however, Americans are eating more meat than ever before. On average, adult males are consuming twice as much protein as they need. Americans in general are eating more meat than ever, with the United States producing 60 percent more meat per person than Europe in 2009!
Looking at obesity statistics really, it seems like Americans are eating more ... period. However, it isn’t just our waistlines that are suffering from our diet.
In addition to obesity, an over-consumption of meat can also cause chronic diseases and a build up of toxins in your body!
Cancer: Colon and pancreatic cancer specifically have been directly linked to a high consumption of red and processed meat. Numerous studies conclude that a diet rich in plant-based nutrients can greatly reduce cancer risk.
In fact, a 2009 study by the National Cancer Institute found that individuals who consumed among the highest amounts of red meat were 20 percent more likely to die of cancer then those who ate red meat less often.
Heart disease: The same National Cancer Institute study found that the habitual meat-eaters were 27 percent more likely to die of heart disease than those who ate little meat. Studies also show that the saturated fats found in red meat are linked to high cholesterol that damages the arteries and causes higher instances of heart disease.
Diabetes: Research shows that a high consumption of processed meat and red meat can increase type II diabetes risk.
Toxins: To evade disease and other problems in the often unsanitary conditions of feedlots, animals are consistently given antibiotics. In fact, in 2009, 80 percent of the antibiotics used in the United States were given to livestock. This over-use promotes antibiotic resistance, and the scary possibility of a super bug!
The hormones that are used in beef and dairy cattle as well as sheep are known to increase livestock health problems, thus requiring more antibiotics.
According to the FDA, dioxins -- chemical and environmentally harmful substances -- are most often ingested through animal fats. You can limit your exposure to these toxins along with mercury, by limiting your intake of fish, animal products and animal by-products.
Ultimately, minimizing your intake of meat can increase your quality of life, and help you have a more healthy and balanced diet. Not to mention, help save the planet!
So get a few friends on board for a Meatless Monday potluck, or try a few new recipes for better health and a cleaner planet!
Sources:
At-A-Glance / Brochure - 2011 Meat Eaters Guide | Meat Eater's Guide to Climate Change + Health | Environmental Working Group. (n.d.). EWG Home | Environmental Working Group. Retrieved December 12, 2011, from http://www.ewg.org/meateatersguide/at-a-glance-brochure
BRODY, J. E. (2009, April 27). Personal Health - Paying a Price for Loving Red Meat - NYTimes.com. NY Times. Retrieved December 12, 2011, from
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/28/health/28brod.html
Walker, P., McKenzie, S., & Rhubart-Berg, P. (2009). Public health implications of meat production and consumption. Public Health Nutrition, 8(4), 348–356. Retrieved December 13, 2011, from http://www.jhsph.edu/bin/y/h/PHN_meat_consumption.pdf
Why Meatless?. (n.d.). Meatless Monday | one day a week, cut out meat. Retrieved December 12, 2011, from
http://www.meatlessmonday.com/why-meatless
Reviewed December 21, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith