Red meat which includes: beef,lamb,veal and pork is an excellent source of protein in the diet.On the other hand,it is also a major source of unhealthy saturated fat.
The balance of good health recommends that you should eat at least two serving per day from the protein group,which includes red meat.Many people,however,eat a great deal more meat than this.
Some studies show that people who eat large quantities of red meat on a daily basis have a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease than those who eat it less often.
The relationship between red meat and cardiovascular disease is believe to be due to the high saturated fat and cholesterol content of these meats.There is also evidence to suggest that a high intake of red meat may increase your risk of colon cancer.
Not surprisingly,people who replace red meat with fish and chicken have been found to have lowered their risk of cardiovascular disease and colon cancer.For these reasons,it's a good idea to choose to eat lower fat sources of protein.
Which meat should you choose?
Whether is a dinner in a restaurant or a barbecue at home,when you are trying to cut back on calories and fat,red meat can pose difficult decisions.If you stick with traditional favourites as beef and lamb,start by choosing cuts with low fat content.
Although in general red meat is high in fat (particulary when is compared with white meat and poultry),very lean red meat (such as fillet steak) has a lower fat and calorie content than roast dark meat chicken (legs and wings) eaten with teh skin.
Other types of meat
Game,such as venison,wild boar,rabbit and more recently,buffalo,has meat that is reach and full of flavour.Because these animals get more exercise,their meat is leaner and lower in fat than beef,lamb and pork,and thus also lower in calories.
Offal kidneys,liver,tongue,sweetbreads,trotters are nutritious meats,being a good source of many of B vitamins and as well as vitamin A and D and minerals cooper,iron and zinc.
As liver can tend to accumulate chemical residues from the animal,we suggest that you eat only animals auch as calves and lamb.
You should try to avoid to eat to many preserved and processed meat such as bacon,salami,pancetta,sausage,ham and gammon,because they often contain a lot of salt as well as being high in saturated fat.
Many cured meats also contain high level of preservatives.
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