Abuja – Miss Nkechi Anthony, an Abuja-based Nutritionist, said high consumption of red meat was responsible for the increase in the number of reported cases of heart, diabetes and cancer-related diseases.
Anthony made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.
She, however, noted that red meat (beef) was a healthy food, full of protein and contained positive nutrients such as protein, vitamin D, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
But the nutritionist said the amount of its health benefits to man was small compared to its health hazard.
“Red meat can be harmful to our health because it is packed with fats that can contribute to heart disease and diabetes and other compounds that promote cancer,’’ she said.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
Anthony said research had shown that people who consumed large quantity of red meat were likely to die early.
She further disclosed that recent studies had also proven that processed meat was potentially more harmful than beef.
She said that processed meats consisted of sausages and bacon, among others, and had more saturated fat grounded in the meat.
Anthony added that the fat in red meat could often be removed before it was cooked or eaten, which makes it less harmful than the processed meat.
The nutritionist said saturated fat had also been linked to a higher risk of coronary heart disease.
She said that processed red meat preserved with salty, dried and smoking methods could also result to consumers’ exposure to `carcinogens’, a compound that could lead to cancer.
Anthony said high intake of beef could also be harmful to our health, because its high saturated fats are known to raise the level of blood cholesterol in the body.
“With its high consumption contributing to plaque build-up in the arteries that could raise the level of blood pressure and reduce blood flow to the heart.
She, however, advised consumers to substitute consumption of red meat as a source of protein with either fish or chicken to stay healthy.
The nutritionist advised consumers to rather take red meat in small quantity.
She also urged Nigerians to maintain a healthy lifestyle including a healthy diet and physical activity. (NAN)