Want To Ditch Red Meat? 4 Major Reasons Your Body Will Thank You - Page 2
1. It can lower inflammation in the body.
Source: AndreyPopov / Getty
According to WebMD, reducing your intake of red meat can help lower inflammation in the body, which is a major factor in conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes. Inflammation is a natural response to illness, injury, or harmful substances like germs or toxins. While inflammation is essential for healing, eating red meat, especially processed meats like bacon, deli meats, and hot dogs, can worsen it. Red meat, including beef, pork, and lamb, is high in saturated fats, which can trigger inflammation.
Studies also show that consuming too much processed food and refined grains can negatively impact gut health, leading to serious issues like cancer. The World Health Organization has found strong, though limited, evidence linking red meat consumption to colorectal cancer, and there is also some evidence connecting it to pancreatic and prostate cancers.
On the other hand, a plant-based diet can promote healthy gut bacteria, helping to fight inflammation. Foods rich in fiber, particularly those from plants, encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria that reduce inflammation and lower the risk of inflammatory diseases, according to WebMD.
