What are the Benefits and Harms of Consuming Red Meat? What are the Effects on the Kidneys?

Red meat is a type of meat that has a high myoglobin concentration, is a source of iron, and contains creatine, proteins, zinc and phosphorus minerals, as well as vitamin B1, B2 and alpha-lipoic acid. Red meat is found in beef, sheep and camel meat; Despite the benefits found in red meat, excessive consumption leads to health problems such as pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, uterine cancer, lung and esophageal cancers. It also affects heart and artery health, increases the incidence of type 2 diabetes, causes obesity and weight gain.

What are the Harms of Consuming Too Much Red Meat?

• Cancer risk: Consuming more red meat than the allowable limit increases the risk of pancreatic, colon and stomach cancer.
• Vitamin C deficiency: Eating large amounts of red meat leads to a deficiency of vitamin C, which creates collagen that works to protect hair and skin. Eating meat causes less consumption of other nutrients.
• Immune diseases: Due to the low consumption of vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables, it causes an increase in the incidence of immune and virus-related diseases such as flu and corona.
• Cardiovascular problems: Excessive meat consumption affects the amount of fiber that should be consumed to improve digestion and reduce cholesterol absorption, which works to protect the heart and arteries. This causes cardiovascular problems.
• Obesity and weight gain: Consumption of red and processed meat leads to obesity and weight gain. Because a large amount of meat eaten is stored as fat in the body and it is necessary to exercise to burn it.
• Infections: Meat contains saturated fats that cause infections in the body. Because meat is devoid of antioxidants, it is recommended to consume colorful vegetables and fruits.
• Indigestion and Constipation: Consuming a lot of meat causes constipation and indigestion, as meat does not contain fibers that facilitate digestion.
• Effects of Red Meat Consumption on Kidneys
• Kidney stones: Since meat contains purine compounds that turn into uric acid, eating too much meat affects the kidneys and causes stone formation.
• Dehydration: Increased intake of red meat causes the body to become dehydrated as it increases uric acid in the body. Therefore, the kidneys need large amounts of water to get rid of toxins. This causes drinking too much water and urinating.

What Are the Benefits of Red Meat?

• Iron Source: Red meat contains iron, an important mineral for body health, as it carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
• Rich in Protein: Red meat is a good source of protein, one of the nutrients the body needs to build and maintain muscle.
• Amino acids: It also contains nine amino acids that bones need and cannot form.
• Zinc: Red meat contains zinc, which is essential for boosting immune health and building muscle, which is beneficial for brain health. The body needs eight to eleven milligrams of zinc per day.
• Niacin “Vitamin B3”: Vitamin B3 found in red meat, is a vitamin that supports the health of the digestive system and also supports healthy skin and eyes. Niacin contains riboflavin, whose function is to convert food into energy.
• Treatment for depression: Red meat contains omega-3 fatty acids and the amino acid tryptophan, which converts to serotonin, treats depression and stress, and improves mood.
• Treatment of Anemia and Anemia: Since there are plenty of mineral salts, proteins, vitamins and amino acids in red meat, it strengthens the immune system and helps the body's good metabolism.