5 benefits of Eating less Meat

5 Benefits of Eating Less Meat

Cutting down on red meat and having more meat-free days makes health sense. Here are five reasons why a plant-based diet is better for you

 

1.      It reduces your cancer risk

Studies link a high intake of red and processed meats to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Recent US research published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine suggests people who eat a vegetarian diet have a 22% lower risk of this cancer.

 

2.      It can aid weight loss

Around 6 in 10 Irish adults are obese and according to the World Health Organisation Ireland is on track to be the fattest country in Europe by 2030.  Carrying excess weight increases our risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, certain cancers and arthritis. Plant-based diets tend to be less energy dense so we can eat more and feel fuller eg

* Swap 125g regular beef mince for a mix of 75g lean beef mince, 75g mushrooms and 50g green lentils and you’ll have 60% more on your plate, will reduce your calorie intake by a third and your total fat intake by over two-thirds, plus you’ll boost your fibre intake threefold.

 

3.      It can help lower cholesterol

Figures from the latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey reveal that meat products provide 24% of the saturates in the diets of 19 to 64-year-olds and dairy products a further 22%. Plant foods are typically low in saturated fat and some (nuts, seeds, avocados and vegetable oils) are high in unsaturated fats, which help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.  Eating more fruit, veg, pulses and grains provides a valuable mix of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and soluble fibre, which all work together to keep our heart and circulatory system healthy.

 

4.      It can save you money

It’s possible to get your five-a-day (and a large quantity of low-fat, low-calorie, filling food) for a fraction of the cost of a steak.

 

5.      It’s eco-friendly

Supply and production of food (including land use) accounts for 19% of  greenhouse gas emissions. Put into context, the production of 10g beef protein releases the same quantity of greenhouse gases as 162g wheat protein (the amount in 46 slices of bread, 1.4kg uncooked pasta or 22 bowls of branflakes). The figures speak for themselves.