Over the past decade, meatless menu options have gone from being in the footnotes, to star attractions.
Supermarkets have vastly improved their selection of plant-based and meatless foods. Vegan takeaways have skyrocketed with Deliveroo citing a 153% increase in searches for meatless grub, and people are generally more open to testing the waters of a meat free way of life.
There’s even been a surge in meat free meats!
In fact, these diets are so popular it’s believed that over 7.2 million Brits are currently meat free.
Yes, vegan, and meatless diets have been growing in popularity since the early 2010s, and it doesn’t look like they will be going out of fashion any time soon.
Reasons for going meat free include trying the better the environment, trying to be eat a little healthier and just because it’s something to have a go at (that’s where Veganuary comes in).
However, while we’re all for exploring the many foodie realms (we lurve food here at PP), and enjoy our fair share of meatless meals, we can’t help but feel that meat is often seen as a villain of the food world.
Which, in our humble opinion, it’s not. In fact, meat is healthy (despite what the interwebs would say).
Meat has been an essential part of human diets since the dawn of time, and while there may be ethical and environmental reasons for reducing meat consumption, it's important to recognise the health benefits that meat provides.
So, without further ado, here are our top 5 reasons why eating meat is good for you…
1. Meat is Rich in Nutrients
Meat – red meat, while meat, all meat - is a great source of nutrients that our bodies require for healthy function.
It contains high-quality protein, B-vitamins, iron, and zinc, all of which play a vital role in keeping your body nice and health. Protein is vital for building and repairing tissues of the body.
Zinc supports your immune function and iron is used in haemoglobin production – essential for transporting oxygen around your system.
2. Promotes Weight Loss
Contrary to popular belief, including meat in your diet can help you lose weight.
It’s all down to our favourite P word… Protein.
Protein is way more satiating than carbohydrates and can keep you feeling full for longer. Plus, some studies suggest that a high protein diet may even boost metabolism which in turn may help towards weight loss.
3. Supports Muscle Growth and Development
An active person needs protein for their body to thrive. Just think about all that strain you put on your body working out or just living life each day – it needs its resources to recover.
Taking in adequate amounts of high-quality protein is essential for building and repairing muscles that are broken down during physical activity.
This is why athletes and gym-goers often prefer meat to meet (love a bit of wordplay…) their protein requirements!
4. Gives You Energy
Meat is an excellent source of energy – yes really!
You see, it contains heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps in the production of red blood cells.
This, in turn, increases oxygen flow to the organs, including the brain, improving overall energy levels, and reducing fatigue.
5. Good for Brain Health
Meat is rich in choline, a nutrient that plays a crucial role in brain development and function. It's needed to produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps to improve memory and cognitive function.
In fact, studies have also shown that choline intake is linked to a reduced risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's in the future.
Bonus Tip…
Eating meat boosts bone strength
We’ve already touched on the fact that meat is packed with protein, which is awesome for keeping your muscles strong, cells happy and tummy satisfied – but did you know it’s also vital for bone density?
In fact, having a diet rich in protein has been shown to lower your chance of developing osteoporosis!
When we eat meat, fab protein building blocks called amino acids are whisked to your bones and help make them stronger. And when paired with the hormone IGF-1, a regulator for your bone metabolism, your bones will have everything they need to get mighty strong indeed.
There you have it, while many Brits may be opting for a plant-based diet, we can’t just ignore the benefits of tucking into a steak every now and again. As with anything, though, moderation is key, so select lean cuts of meat and enjoy as part of a healthy, nutritious balanced diet.
Ashleigh Tosh
Ashleigh - writer by day, reader by night, self-professed foodie at all times... A former broadcast journalist, she's been writing for the health & wellness industry for over 10 years and is passionate about all things food & fitness. When she's not clickety-clacking on the keyboard, you can find her in the gym, in the kitchen or up a Munro.