by Megan Doherty, BSN RN
The conversation about consuming red meat continues to be controversial
amongst the health community. Many studies reporting an increase in heart
diseases and cancers fail to mention the quality of the meats and how they were
prepared. Lean, grass-fed, grass-finished, and unprocessed meats have a myriad
of health benefits. Here are just two health benefits of eating red meat.
1. Red Meat to Promote Wound, Muscle Healing, and Immune Function
Did you know that 70-80% of immune cells are present in the gut (4)? With most immune cells primarily existing in the gut, one could presume that what we consume has an effect on our immunity. Red meat contains a large amount of zinc, a mineral that is integral to a healthy immune system. Zinc plays an essential role in immune function, protein and DNA synthesis, and wound healing (1). A diet with red meat can help rebuild damaged tissues following an injury or surgery as well as support a compromised immune system. Just 3 ounces of red meat contains approximately 35% of your daily value of zinc (1).
2. Red Meat Consumption for Bone Health
Osteoporosis is a concern for individuals 50 years old and beyond as well as
postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis causes 8.9 million osteoporosis-related
fractures every year (3). Studies have revealed that individuals with a higher
intake of protein have slower rates of bone loss (2). Not only is protein important
for bone health, but several nutrients are necessary, some of them being the
minerals magnesium, and phosphorus found in red meat. Magnesium and
phosphorus are both responsible for the cellular production process in bones.
Taking all of this into consideration, whether you had a recent surgery, are
healing from an injury, are recovering after a workout, or want to support your
immune and skeletal system, consider adding healthy red meat to your diet.
Stop by Meadow Mist Farm for High Quality Meat!
Meadow Mist Farm values the importance of investing in high-quality
food for a higher quality of life and they are here to share these values with the
community. Meadow Mist Farm devotes its time, energy, and resources to
ensure the best quality of meat for its customers. Their meat is grass-fed and
grass-finished, follows organic standards, and their animals are pasture and
humanely raised. Give Meadow Mist Farm a call to place your order or stop by
the store.
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