Seeing Red over your Protein Options
Beef; an underrated and misunderstood food, due to fear of its saturated fat content. So, why should you eat it?
Yes, red meat does contain more fat than some other protein sources; however, the majority of the fat in beef is monounsaturated. In addition, about one-third of the saturated fat comes from stearic acid, which does not affect blood cholesterol.
There is significant debate about whether or not saturated fat increases risk for heart disease. Lowering saturated fat in the diet will lower LDL cholesterol (bad), but it also lowers the HDL (good cholesterol), which is what protects against heart disease.
Red meat has also been shown the help improve cognitive function and, although being a slow digesting protein source, is excellent for cellular repair and muscular recovery.
Beef for example is rich in iron, B vitamins zinc and selenium. Which improve our energy, helps make our DNA, it also keeps nerve and red blood cells healthy, and zinc, which keeps the immune system working properly. Also B vitamins are great for carbohydrate utilisation in our body.
We would generally recommend the cuts with the less fat on them, or attempting to reduce the fat content by cutting it off. Kangaroo for example contains the above but also may be a better choice if your wanting to lower your saturated fat content. But also contains CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID (CLA), an omega 3 which can help with reducing inflammation, building muscle and optimising fat loss.
Our favourite dishes using red meat are kanga bangers, beef goulash, a nice cooked steak, osso bucco, tacos, veal schnitzel and beef tataki (a Japanese style of beef that is only cooked on the outside). Delicious!
Remember that much research done on the “dangers” of many foods and their natural make-up are extremely dated and antiquated at best. Don’t restrict yourself from enjoying a good piece of red meat when you feel like it.
The fastest way to over-indulge in any food is to never have it; focus on balance in everything you do.
Our advice; eat lean cuts of red meat and mince 2-3 times a week.