A new study in Nutrients reveals that 12% of Americans are eating around 50% of the country's beef! How much is that? Well, beef consumption hit a record 30 billion pounds in 2021 -- so that means 39,600,000 of you are downing about 378 pounds of cow in one form or another every year. To you "Eager-Beefers," I want to say -- "Whoa."
Here's why beef (and other red meats) are not as healthy a choice as other proteins.
-- Beef alters your intestinal microbiome. It contains carnitine and saturated fat -- a combo that changes the way your gut bacteria function. That, in turn, leads to the production of an inflammatory mediator called TMA that ups your risk for heart disease, stroke, dementia and cancer. Two other metabolites -- gamma-butyrobetaine and crotonobetaine -- are also produced in the gut in response to eating beef and they also increase the risk of clogged arteries, dementia and more.
-- Cancer risk: One study found that red meat was a Level 1 carcinogen. That makes it just as risky as cigarettes and alcohol.
-- So much saturated fat! An 8-ounce rib eye steak delivers 18 grams of artery clogging, heart-damaging saturated fat. The American Heart Association says that on a 2,000-calories-a-day diet, you don't want more than 13 grams a day. I say keep it as far below that as you can.
Your best option is to swap out beef for fish like salmon and ocean trout, and skinless poultry. You'll tamp down inflammation and live longer, younger. For more tips, sign up for the free newsletter at LongevityPlaybook.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2023 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
