Meat myths which have possibly crossed your mind at any point of time-- BUSTED!!!!
In this 21st century, eating food which is of good quality and produced through clean and reliable sources straight to our dining tables is no simple task. During these trying times especially when there can be no 100% guarantee of purity to anything we consume, the quality grade of meat we have is an entirely different thing altogether. Just a matter of one question is enough to draw that fine line between good and bad meat consumption. How much can we trust the quality of meat and the different techniques and methods employed to finally make it into a finished product that we receive in the markets or restaurants or streets ?
I bet there is none who can confidently build up a positive reply to that. Mainly due to the fact that we all have a set of predetermined facts or more like myths etched into our minds regarding the same or because of the constant rambling of these so-called facts we hear or come across very often around us growing up and from our surroundings. But is it really the case? If you think on the contrary, then read on!!
So here are some most speculated meat myths that weâve heard or believed in at one point or the other or still do. You can also check out our article about the tips and tricks to buy right kind of meat.To begin with,
1.RED MEAT IS GOOD FOR HEALTH; YAY OR NAY?
Long-term research and studies suggest that consumption of red meat has a shockingly neutral effect on the human body in contrary to the popular belief. Also no major studies have yet come up with any miraculous health benefits for it as well.
Well, not all red meat is good for you as they are not created equal. While enjoying an occasional meal of steak or lamb (Unprocessed Red meat that is) may not necessarily deteriorate your health, doing the same wonât improve the end results either. Whereas processed meats like deli meats, salami, hot dogs can be harmful due to their potential carcinogen activity.
Eating up to three portions of red meat a week is considered a safe meat consumption limit by the American Institute for Cancer Research. The major constituent which gives red meat its distinct color is heme iron. Although the presence of too much heme may explain the cause of increased risk of type 2 diabetes. In addition to it, eating more red meat and eating processed red meat occasionally is also strongly linked to colorectal cancer, which is definitely not a plus.
In the end, eating the right cut of meat in the right quantities is an excellent source of heme iron, vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium, among other nutrients. Nutritionists and dieticians around the world recommend grass-fed, USDA-certified organic beef, with minimal visible fat, and keeping portions to roughly 4 ounces.
2. PRIORITISING LEAN MEAT IS THE WAY TO GO�
Lean cuts of meat were widely preferred by people for decades for its low saturated fat and cholesterol content, as they were thought to not have any solid connections to any major health outcomes like cardiac arrests or cancers. But there are certainly some other important factors that are worth troubling; like when it comes to processed lean meats like bacon, sausages and salami which come with a load of preservatives in it.
Sodium, being an important component in preservatives, can possibly raise blood pressure and can also elevate the chances of stroke when the body converts nitrites to nitrosamines which is a certified carcinogen. White meat is ultimately the leanest choice of meat. But recent studies suggest that white meat and its red counterpart; both play equal roles in increasing cholesterol levels, thereby widening the risk for contracting cardio-vascular diseases. This enables us to remove white meatâs healthy halo over red meat for good.
3.PLANT-BASED DIET IS THE NEW HEALTHY WAY
Lately, the term âPlant-basedâ is used synonymously with âHealthyâ which is somewhat misleading. The above mentioned tag does not necessarily mean that all animal-based foods are bad. A common example for it being eggs and dairy products which we consume on a daily basis. It accounts for our overall improved metabolism and is closely associated with reduced body fat and lessened risk of type-2 diabetes.
Well, seafood is a healthy staple in our lives which offers several health benefits and acts as a nutrient bank of fatty acids. On the contrary, many of the plant-based food products which we are familiar with are actually the worst like white rice and bread, refined breakfast cereals, fries etc which ranks high in refined starch and sugar content. Statistics show that an alarming 42% of calories were sourced from the so-called healthy âplant-basedâ foods ironically. To conclude, an entirely plant-based diet is definitely not a healthy alternative; in the end it all depends on what we choose to eat.
4.THE WAY YOU COOK THE MEAT IS NOT IMPORTANT
Nutritionists are often of the view that cooking our meats, fat portions in particular at relatively higher temperatures like on the grill increases the risk of cancer and decreases the health benefits of the meat. For instance, while grilling meat the fat shedding oozes into the fire and increases the amount of meat exposure to ravishing flame. The process gives off harmful compounds like HCA & PAH which can potentially alter our cell properties thereby making it more reactive.
Although there is a certain lack of evidence to establish the impact of these compounds with cancer, reports sent out by the American Institute of Cancer Research in 2018 strengthens our doubts in favor of the plausible mechanisms operating in our bodies. The above mentioned meat-heat hindrance is not just limited to red meats, it applies to poultry and fish unfortunately.
So bottom line, the best approach to follow so as to consume fresh, healthy meat is to use less-heat emitting cooking methods like sautĂŠing or using the oven, a crockpot or an instant pot.
5.PRESERVATIVE-FREE MEATS ARE BETTER
Cured meats like sausages, bacon, salami and hotdogs are storehouses of preservatives, namely sodium nitrite and nitrates. These compounds when combined with the broken down proteins as a result of high-temperature cooking, forms a USDA listed carcinogen - Nitrosamines.
So, obviously our search is turned next towards finding a preservative-free source of meat, but in vain. Why? Because most of nitrite and nitrate free processed meat are replaced with the addition of celery salt in its place, which is a huge source of nitrates, thus failing to nullify the effect caused therein. So, in the end we are left with the only safe option of cooking meat at lower temperatures for longer duration.
6. OPT FOR LABELS LIKE: HORMONE FREE, 100% NATURAL
All the fancy labels attributed to the meat we purchase doesnât necessarily mean that itâs better and healthy for you. Our source of fresh meat like; Beef or poultry when associated with the term âAll naturalâ, it simply means that the product is devoid of any artificial colors or ingredients and involves less processing as well, but excludes the methods and techniques employed in the production of the meat.
Every efficient cattle raising technique involves the active participation of farmers, as naturally raised defines the growth of cattle with minimum human interaction; which is also not quite possible.
Even though there is a limited access to certified organic, free-range, antibiotic free animal products as prescribed by the standards of the US Department of Agriculture which holds true to its labels, it is not readily available to the general population out there.
However, the use of antibiotics and medications to treat sick cattle cannot be avoided under any circumstances.Also, hormones may be administered to promote growth largely in cattles. USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC BEEF is one way to ensure that the beef meat we buy is free of hormones.
7.VEGAN MEAT/ MOCK MEAT/ PLANT BASED MEAT ALTERNATIVES (PBMA) ARE HEALTHIER
A meatless diet is not, by itself, a healthy one. Very often most diet related diseases are due to the scarcity of nourishing foods like fruits, vegetables, seafood, nuts, seeds, dairy products,whole grains and so on. Traditionally processed plantâbased protein foods (such as Mushroom,tofu and tempeh) in Asia and plantâbased meat have the potential to become a mainstream product among all commercial meat alternatives.
In fact, due to the recent development of various plantâbased meat brands, such as Beyond meat â˘, Impossible food â˘, and Light life â˘, public media has stated that 2019 has been the year of plantâbased burgers. Studies indicate that the inferior appearance and flavor to meat is one of the main reasons why the consumption of PBMA products is not widely accepted. As further improving the appearance and flavor of PBMA involves the usage by exploring more suitable color and flavoring agents, it is a big no-no. Also, further investigations are required to test the safety aspects of PBMA, especially with respect to the chemical safety.
8.EATING MORE MEAT BASED PROTEIN IS HEALTHY
Our overrated need and demand for consuming more meat based protein rich food is the underlying cause of over consumption to such an extent that we actually eat more protein than required. According to the 2016 report submitted by the World Resources Institute an average personâs protein consumption actually exceeded dietary requirements by one-third.
Meat consumption is recorded to be at an all time high in developing and emerging economies in particular. Also the total consumption of animal-based food is expected to rise by nearly 80 percent between 2006 and 2050. As much as eating a more protein based diet acts as a building block for our muscles, too much of protein consumption especially that of red meat and processed ones can have long term bad effects on our health.
On the flip side, reducing meat intake also has a protective effect from other heart related diseases. We can also follow a more balanced diet for a more rewarding healthy lifestyle with occasional eating of unprocessed fresh and locally sourced meat which has modest health consequences. which has modest health consequences.
9. "HALAL MEAT�!"......
What exactly is halal meat? Well, here's your answer to it. You will definitely get an idea as to why an astonishing amount of controversy around it is totally unnecessary.The term'Halal' simply means 'permissible'. So Halal meat is obviously the permissible kind of meat that muslims can consume.
What makes it different from non-halal meat is that the animal (sheep,cattle/ birds) from which the meat is retrieved from must be slaughtered by a sane muslim through a cut to the carotid vein, jugular artery and windpipe. It is also necessary to recite God Almighty's name ALLAH while doing the act. Any kind of meat which doesn't follow the necessities prescribed above is not considered as halal and it is in fact forbidden for muslims to eat the same.
In the ultimate battle between meat facts and myth, many questions remain; ranging from the health implications of grass-fed beef to plant-based meat alternatives. Evidence now suggests that people should reduce the consumption of unprocessed red meat to twice a week. Also, researches provide proof emphasizing how grass-fed beef is much more environment friendly when compared to the traditional method of beef production.
Also, when it comes to plant-based meat alternatives; they are hands down an effective and better option for the planet but not so much when it comes to our health in the long run. In brief, it is not entirely wrong to say that fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and whole grains are still the best bet for both human and planetary health.
However, the nutritional composition of different kinds of meat depends mostly on the cooking and preparation methods. Ultimately while many factors like the portion of the animal from where the meat is sourced from, breed, age and gender may influence eating quality and nutrient content; organic and conventional farming methods can also provide high quality delicious produce. At the end of the day, it all comes down to one's individual preferences.
It's definitely the quality of our food choices that count over time. To deliver that delicious premium quality meat from trusted local small scale producers straight to your homes, buy online fresh meat from Nd fresh. We assure you safe, hygienic and halal meat delivered anywhere in Toronto GTA. So hurry and purchase now from ndfresh.com Happy and healthy eating folks!!