The benefits and disadvantages of meat consumption

Dangshawa Morung & P Priyokumar Singh *

A meat shop at Moreh, Manipur-Burma border town in December 2012 :: Pix - Deepak Oinam

Meat is animal flesh that is eaten as food. Humans have hunted and killed animals for meat since prehistoric times. Civilization allowed human for domestication of animals such as chickens, sheep, pigs and cattle and eventually their use in meat production in industrial scale.

Its main compositions are water, protein, and fat and it is usually eaten together with other food. It is edible raw, but normally eaten after it is cooked and seasoned or processed in a variety of ways.

Unprocessed meat will spoil or rot within hours or days as a result of infection with and decomposition by bacteria and fungi.

Most often, meat refers to skeleton muscle associated fat and other tissues, but it may also describe other edible tissues such as offal.

Meat is sometimes also used in a more restrictive sense – the flesh of mammalian species (pigs, cattle, lambs, etc.) raised and prepared for human consumption, to the exclusion of fish, other sea food, poultry or other animals.

Meat is an excellent source of protein in terms of both quantity and quality; for example, a typical 3-ounce portion of meat contains about 21 grams of protein, which is almost half the recommended dietary allowance for women each day.

Meat is also a complete protein source because it contains all the essential amino acids your body cannot make. Amino acids are important building blocks for most tissues – such as muscle and skin –as well as enzymes .

Meat is also a very good source of certain vitamins and minerals, especially most B vitamins, iron, zinc and phosphorus. Additionally, the density and caloric value of meat usually satisfies hunger better compared to equivalent amounts of vegetable foods.

The main disadvantages of eating meat –aside from ethical considerations – are related to the fat, cholesterol and sodium content. People need some dietary fat and cholesterol on a regular basis for energy and to make cellular membranes and certain hormones.

However, meat is relatively high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and atherosclerosis.

Sodium is also a serious concern because too much leads to high blood pressure and increased risk of stroke and heart failure.

On average, processed meat contains approximately 310 milligrams of sodium per ounce, whereas unprocessed meat has about 77 milligrams.

Younger adults should aim for less than 2300 milligrams of sodium daily, whereas elderly adults and those with risk factors for hypertension should consume less than 1500 milligrams per day.

Meat is one of the most nutritious food items which is highly delighted by many people but as with everything good, meat in excess too can cause detrimental effects to the body.

It provides essential nutrients which are lacking in other foodstuffs in our diet. However, meat is easily adulterated and can be contaminated with various substances that can cause various health problems.

Also, a diet consisting of only meat or mostly meat can pose a serious health risk to the body.

Hence, it is advisable that one should be well informed with both sides of the aspect of consuming meat and also learn about the benefits and dangers of meat and meat products.