Many of you looking to make those Healthy Lifestyle Changes are often trying to decrease your fat percentage and work on building muscle mass. Today we have a guest post by Drew who is going to explain how eating red meat is not only a great protein source but has many benefits that are often overlooked due to its bad rap. Read on to see how Drew explains the many benefits to red meat and why you should be adding it into your balanced diet if you haven’t yet!
You’re probably not going to be very shocked when I tell you I love red meat. But it might come as a surprise for you to hear somebody actually tell you that it’s healthy and does NOT cause heart disease. Here are 5 benefits of increasing your red meat consumption:
1) Protein. For you bodybuilders out there, red meat provides you with a high quality, complete protein source to help your muscles recover and grow. Red meat is typically around 20-25% protein, so every time you consume about 100 grams you’re getting about 25 grams of protein as well.
2) B Vitamins. Red meat is especially high in vitamin B12, which is necessary to promote a fat burning metabolism, a proper immune system, healthy skin, hair and so on. Lack of B vitamins has also been associated with depression and a decreased mood, but consuming more red meat can help you combat this.
3) CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid). CLA in humans has been associated with a decreased risk in developing various cancers, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and so on. If possible, go with grass-fed beef – it’s much healthier for you.
4) Stearic Acid (saturated fatty acid). Many people believe that the fat in red meat is 100% saturated, but nothing could be further from the truth. You’ll find many articles and testimonials on the internet which suggests this – be careful where you get your info from. The fat found in beef is about 50% monounsaturated fat and of this, about 90% of it is oleic acid. These fats are also found in olive oil and have been associated with a better cholesterol ratio, lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and raising HDL (good) cholesterol.
About 1/3 of the fat found in red meat is actually saturated fat, but not to worry: Saturated fat actually has a positive impact on HDL and little to no impact on LDL. Don’t believe me? Check out this article. Lowering your LDL and raising your HDL is a prime way to get healthy quickly. Many people who go on low carbohydrate diets experience this, since they are eating much more fat and protein.Your triglyceride levels will decrease as well, resulting in a decreased risk of plaque forming on your artery walls.
5) Testosterone Production. Fat is absolutely necessary for testosterone production, which is why many people on low fat diets often experience a loss of energy, enthusiasm, vitality and an all around feeling of complacency. Of course this is not the only reason people on low fat diets experience this, but I’d be willing to bet it’s a prime cause. But seriously – what better way to make sure you’re getting enough fat in your diet on a daily basis then chowing down on a fat, juicy steak? In my opinion, there isn’t one!
There are many other benefits as well; creatine, ALA, iron, zinc are just a few more benefits. But I’m sure you know my philosophy by now – eat your meat!
So how often do you eat meat? Monthly, weekly, daily, never? Let me know in the comment section below. Be sure to tell me about your whole egg consumption as well!
This was an article written by Drew Stegman. For more fitness tips check out his website: http://how2gainmusclefast.com/
Other Related Articles:
The Health Benefits of Eating Red Meat – LiveStrong
3 Benefits of Eating Meat – Medical Daily
10 Reasons NOT to Give Up Red Meat – Nourished Kitchen