RARELY REPORTED NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF MEAT by Dr Michal Mosley

Apart from Vitamin B12, what other benefits does meat offer?

Courtesy of Cartoon Stock  and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

We hear a lot about the adverse effects of eating meat but rarely about the health benefits.  

To redress the balance, 67 reprints part of an article by Dr Michael Mosley on Meat Eating. 

Though a little light hearted, the report in the Sunday Mail (27 Jan 2019) contains valuable information on important micronutrients in meat:  

"Not only is meat a good source of protein that is easily absorbed by the body, but it is abundant in important micronutrients too. 

Vitamin B12, found exclusively in animal products, is important for brain development.  Studies show deficiencies can lead to fatigue, memory loss and, in severe cases, permanent brain damage.  Oxford University researchers recently compared blood levels of meat-eating and vegan men. Half of the vegans were Vitamin B12 deficient, compared to just one meat-eater. 

There’s also the issue of zinc, important for maintaining a healthy immune system. A recent analysis of scientific literature in The American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition noted that vegetarians and vegans are at a significant risk of zinc deficiency. 

Although grains, seeds and legumes contain [zinc], they also have a compound called phytates, which stops the body absorbing [it]. 

There’s plenty of easily absorbable zinc in meat, eggs and shellfish, which means those who avoid these foods are missing out. 

While we should limit artery-clogging saturated fat – found in pork chops, lamb kebabs and steak – to 30g daily, we ought not to banish fat altogether. 

The unsaturated fatty acids in oily fish, eggs, lean meat and chicken are shown in studies to protect against dementia and heart disease, and lower cholesterol levels. However, it is possible to get an adequate supply of this fat with a regular handful of nuts.

Blogger's Note: None of the above means that unlimited quantities of meat - whether organic or factory farmed - is good for you! 

The entire Dr Mosley article is available here.

DISCLAIMER: The author accepts no liability for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  Any information not sourced to a second party is the copyright of the blogger.